Garda assault trial to begin

Four gardaí are to go on trial today accused of an assault in Dublin two years ago.

Garda Alan Conlon, Garda Claire Delaney, Garda Eoin Murtagh, and Garda Sean O'Leary deny assault causing harm and forcible entry at a residence in the south inner city on February 17, 2008.

All four are charged with trespassing, forcible entry and assault causing harm to Eoin Gaffney at Basin Street Upper in Dublin 8.

Gda Conlon, Gda Delaney, and Gda Murtagh are also accused of falsely imprisoning Fidelma Gaffney on the same Sunday in February last year.

Three of the accused were stationed in Kilmainham at the time while the fourth, Garda Alan Conlon, was stationed at Kevin Street.

The trial will hear from 43 witnesses and is expected to last two weeks at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court.