Courts / Westmeath / Report

Westmeath man tells jury he was beaten by gardai while handcuffed on ground

Summary

In a High Court hearing, 62‑year‑old Fergal O'Rourke from Mullaghcloe, Ballymore, claimed that while handcuffed and on the ground after his arrest on 12 July 2009, a Garda struck him several times with a weapon and another Garda grabbed him by the throat. He said the incident left him with injuries requiring hospital treatment and a lame leg, and that it made him nervous. O'Rourke also alleged that he was kicked and punched, then taken to Athlone Garda Station and later to A&E in Ballinasloe. The defendants denied the allegations, stating O'Rourke was arrested after his vehicle performed a u‑turn at a Garda checkpoint, that he resisted arrest and kicked a Garda, and that the Garda used a baton in self‑defence. O'Rourke testified he had no intention of striking a Garda, had been trying to escape, and had previously pleaded guilty to refusing a breath‑sample after arrest.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Westmeath man tells jury he was beaten by gardai while handcuffed on ground. Charges or matters: refusing to give a sample; drink driving. Procedural stage: trial

When:

• July 12th 2009 Incident
• 2016-05-04 Publication

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Stage Trial

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Read the original CNI report