Woman sues over alleged sex attack

A retired garda denies sexually assaulting a hairdresser after giving her a lift in a patrol car 13 years ago, the High Court heard.

Antoinette Canty, 33, of the Causeway, Tralee, Co Kerry, is suing former Garda Thomas Noonan, 60, the Justice Minister, and the State, for alleged assault and false imprisonment in Listowel, Co Kerry, on March 16, 2001.

The defendants deny the claims. Mr Noonan, who was based in Listowel for 21 years, is representing himself.

The court heard there was a Garda investigation and the DPP decided not to prosecute. The case began in November 2010 and was adjourned several times before it resumed this week.

Ms Canty previously told the court Mr Noonan gave her a lift in his patrol car after she came out of a nightclub and, after driving past her family home, put his hand on her thigh and tried to “get on her”.

She claimed she kicked him and believed he was going to rape or kill her. She said she was unable to get out of the car because he had locked the door.

Yesterday, Mr Noonan told the court when asked by an investigating officer if he “had put his hand on a girl’s leg” in the patrol car, he said: “I did not.”

He said he gave Ms Canty a lift to the Garda station so she could organise a lift home. When they arrived at the station, she got out of the car, he said.

The hearing continues.