Man denies assaulting garda during mart row

A man in dispute with management of Fermoy Mart on the question of whether cattle for sale had horns went on trial yesterday on a charge of assault on a garda at the mart in March last year.

Patrick Fuohy, aged 67, of Ballydaw, Castlelyons, Co Cork, pleaded not guilty to a charge of assault causing harm to Detective Garda Denis Ryan at Fermoy Mart in Corrin, Co Cork, on March 21, 2013.

Detective Garda Denis Ryan testified that he was called to the scene that day when it was reported to him that Mr Fuohy’s truck was blocking an entrance and preventing people from driving in to or out of the property. He said that, at one stage, the defendant drove his truck forward, striking the detective.

Det Garda Ryan said because of this he drew his ASP collapsible baton and smashed the driver’s side window and leaned in to grab the keys of the truck.

He said his hand was grabbed and repeatedly stabbed with something and his hand bled heavily and he was hospitalised for a number of days afterwards.

Cross-examined by defence senior counsel Tom Creed, the detective said: “I could not believe he drove the truck at me and struck me with it.”

He said that, as he tried to grab the keys, he never once struck the defendant.

Mr Creed said: “Mr Fuohy says he was struck by you and he tried to stop you taking the keys of the truck. He will say he was in fear for his life when you attacked him with the ASP.” The detective replied: “I never touched Mr Fuohy.”

Mr Creed said: “Mr Fuohy will say he tried to trap your hand with his legs because he was in fear for his life. He got the keys to stop you hitting him and stabbed you with the keys.”

As for what was used to stab him, the injured party said: “It was a metal pointed object. I am happy it was not the key.”

The trial at Cork Circuit Criminal Court continues today before Judge Seán Ó Donnabháin and a jury of nine men and three women.