Garda assault trial collapses

The trial of four gardaí accused of beating a young man with batons after breaking in his flat has collapsed this afternoon at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court.

Judge Desmond Hogan discharged the jury after hearing submissions from prosecution and defence about “important matters” in the case which arose last Friday.

The judge explained that these were serious matters which would need to be investigated before the trial proceeds.

He added that he had made his decision on the principle of fairness to all parties.

Gardai Sean O’Leary, Eoin Murtagh, Alan Conlon and Claire Delaney had pleaded not guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to forcing entry to a Basin Street Upper premises, entering as trespassers and assaulting Mr Owen Gaffney (aged 21) causing him harm on February 17, 2008.

Gda Murtagh, Gda Conlon and Gda Delaney had also pleaded not guilty to the false imprisonment of Fidelma Gaffney on the same occasion.

Gdi O’Leary, Murtagh and Delaney are based in Kilmainham garda station and Gda Conlon is based at Kevin Street garda station.

Judge Hogan thanked the six men and six women of the jury for their care and attention to the case and put the matter back in court to fix a new trial date.