Carpenter sues senior garda over alleged assault in pub

A GARDA sergeant (now an inspector) and the State were sued in the High Court yesterday by a 25-year-old carpenter who claimed the sergeant assaulted him six years ago in a Co Leitrim bar, refused to give an explanation and later brought a malicious prosecution which was dismissed by a District Judge.

Darren Rogan, of Breanross, Mohill, has brought an action for damages against Sergeant Kevin English (now Inspector English) of Carrick on Shannon and the State. The hearing before Mr Justice de Valera and a jury was adjourned until today.

John O'Kelly, for Mr Rogan, opening the action said his client was 19 at the time of the incident in O'Brien's pub in Mohill on January 19, 1999. Between 12.30am and 1am, while Mr Rogan was having a drink, Sgt English came and proceeded to clear the bar.