Alleged victim of 'RAT' branding refuses to give evidence at Special Criminal Court

Man who was allegedly beaten, branded, and threatened with rape told judges: 'I'm sorry to the three of you, but I am not giving any evidence in the trial ever. I'm finished with it.'

The man was brought into the Special Criminal Court by prison officers on Friday having been arrested on Thursday after he previously failed to appear in court. Stock picture: Niall Carson/PA

A man who told gardaí he was beaten with a breaker bar, waterboarded, threatened with rape, and branded with the letters 'RAT' on his face, stomach and back while being held hostage in a shed at the back of a Dublin house has refused to give evidence before the Special Criminal Court.

Garnet Orange, prosecuting, on Friday opened the trial of four men before the three-judge, non-jury court before calling the alleged victim, Barry Moore, 34, to the witness stand.