Courts / Westmeath / Report
Gardai deny using "excessive force" during arrest of Westmeath man
Summary
In a 2016 case, Fergal O'Rourke, aged 62, sued the State and the Gardai Commissioner for assault and battery after an arrest on 12 July 2009 at a Ballymore checkpoint. He alleged injuries, a lame leg, and nervousness following the incident. The Gardai denied excessive force, stating O'Rourke was arrested after his jeep performed a u‑turn at the checkpoint, left the vehicle, and attempted to escape. Garda Darren Murphy, one of the arresting officers, testified that he used his baton three times to secure O'Rourke, who was described as dishevelled, aggressive, and intoxicated. O'Rourke denied losing his temper or that the force was unreasonable. The trial before a jury and Mr Justice Colm MacEochaidh was ongoing.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Gardai deny using "excessive force" during arrest of Westmeath man. Procedural stage: trial
When:
- July 12th 2009 Incident
- 2016-05-05 Publication
Why: He said he drew his baton out of concerns for his safety, and that he had used reasonable force in order to effect an arrest. CNI source report
Case subjects
Accused
Places mentioned
Topics
Related court reports
- Murder accused's brother convicted of deceased's manslaughter, jury hears
- Jury finds man was assaulted during arrest, awards damages
- Westmeath man tells jury he was beaten by gardai while handcuffed on ground
If a fact, identity, locality or legal outcome needs review, email the newsroom with this report's details prefilled.
Email a correction request