Farmer loses garda assault claim

A High Court jury has dismissed a claim by a farmer, Patrick Coyle, that he was unlawfully assaulted by gardaí during an early morning protest against the Shell Corrib gas refinery in Co Mayo.

The jury was unable to reach agreement as to whether two other men, Patrick and Michael O’Donnell, were unlawfully assaulted by gardaí during the same protest on January 19, 2007.

Mr Coyle, of Barnatra, Ballina, and Patrick and Martin O’Donnell, with addresses at Porturlin, Shore, Ballina, separately sued the Garda Commissioner and State .