Courts / Dublin / Report
Jury asked to 'stand in shoes' of garda accused of fracturing teenager's skull
Summary
In a Dublin trial, Lorcan Murphy, a 32‑year‑old Garda, pleaded not guilty to two counts of assault causing harm after allegedly fracturing a 17‑year‑old's skull on June 1 2021. The jury, hearing closing speeches and the judge's charge, was urged to consider the Garda's perspective and the possibility that criminalising force might deter officers. Defence counsel Justin McQuade argued that Murphy acted under an honest belief in the necessity of force, even if mistaken, and that the initial use of force during the arrest was not excessive. He highlighted the split‑second decisions required of uniformed officers and suggested that the force used—a leg sweep—was an unfortunate secondary impact. Prosecutor John Gallagher contended that the sweep and subsequent head impact constituted disproportionate force, causing a fractured skull and brain bleed, and questioned whether the level of force was reasonable. The trial continues.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Jury asked to 'stand in shoes' of garda accused of fracturing teenager's skull. 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
- 2025-07-22 Publication
Case subjects
Applicant
Charges: two counts of assault causing harm under section 3 of the Non-Fatal Offences Against the Person Act, 1997 (Alleged Or Contested)
Plea: Not guilty
Places mentioned
- of Pearse Street Garda Station
- Pearse Street
- and Pearse Street Garda Station
- his screams at the garda station
- and in Pearse Street Garda Station
- hair in Pearse Street Garda Station
- alleged assault at the garda station
- Essex Street
Topics
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