Man injured in Queen’s visit loses case against Gardaí

A Dublin man who was knocked to the ground by the riot squad during Queen Elizabeth's visit has lost an action for damages against the gardaí.

60-year-old John Fagan of Lower Gardiner Street described himself as an 'innocent bystander' who was injured during a protest

on Dorset Street on May 17 2011.

John Fagan was knocked down by a garda in riot gear during a protest at Queen Elizabeth's visit to the Garden of Remembrance.

Bottles and fireworks were being thrown by the crowd who he described as 'thugs'.

He was on the phone to his daughter to tell her that he wouldn't be able to pick her up from school because of the trouble when he was

knocked to the ground.

He told the court he experienced excruciating pain in his knee and suffered leg and shoulder injuries.

However, he has lost an action for damages because Ms Justice Mary Irvine has ruled it was a 'modest accidental collision' that did not arise from negligence.

She noted there was mayhem on the streets seconds earlier when a crash barrier was thrown that caused everyone on the footpath except John Fagan to scatter.

He told reporters he was sorry the case had not gone his way and it may be a “double whammy” if legal costs which will be decided next week go against him.