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Assault acquittal for man who claimed gardai had "danced" on his head

Summary

Stephen Tuohey, aged 25, was tried for assaulting Garda John Santry in a Dublin cell. The trial, lasting two days, ended with a not‑guilty verdict after just over an hour of jury deliberation. Tuohey denied any aggression, claiming he had blocked the cell's viewing hatch to request a phone call and that Santry had attacked him first. He alleged Santry threw him against the wall, struck him with a tie, and that other officers subsequently assaulted him, describing one as "dancing on my head." Tuohey said he was struck in the ribs and that Santry threatened him with pepper spray. The prosecution's evidence was a brief CCTV clip from the hallway, while the defence argued it showed Santry initiating the violence. No footage of the cell interior was available. The jury accepted the defence's account and acquitted Tuohey. Stephen Tuohey pleaded not guilty.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Assault acquittal for man who claimed gardai had "danced" on his head. Charges or matters: assaulting a peace officer in Blanchardstown Garda Station on the morning of June 25, 2011. Procedural stage: trial

When:

• June 25, 2011 Hearing Or Sentence
• 2016-02-04 Publication

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Stage Trial Violent Crime

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Read the original CNI report