Courts / Dublin / Report

Witness alleges that garda "spear tackled" teenager

Summary

In the trial of Lorcan Murphy, a 32‑year‑old Garda, the witness Darragh Fitzpatrick testified that on 1 June 2021 he heard a shout of "knife" and then saw Murphy "spear tackle" a 17‑year‑old teenager to the ground on Essex Street and at Pearse Street Garda Station. Fitzpatrick described the teenager as limp and lifeless after the tackle, and he heard the Garda shout "where is the knife?" before the teenager was handcuffed and placed on the ground. Aileen Fitzmaurice, also present, confirmed that the teenager was face‑down and that the Garda van arrived shortly after. Eoghan Hickey reported hearing the Garda say "drop the knife" repeatedly. Donal Grant, an investigator, presented Murphy's statements, in which Murphy said he had instructed the teenager to remove his hands from his pockets, that the teenager produced a glass bottle, and that Murphy performed a leg sweep to bring the teenager to his feet before handcuffing him. Lorcan Murphy pleaded not guilty.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Witness alleges that garda "spear tackled" teenager. Charges or matters: two counts of assault causing harm under section 3 of the Non-Fatal Offences Against the Person Act, 1997. Procedural stage: trial

When:

• June 1, 2021 Incident
• 2025-07-18 Publication

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Stage Trial

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Read the original CNI report