Retired garda cannot remember if murder accused had head injuries

A former Galway-based garda has told the trial of a man accused of murdering two women in Dublin 18 years ago that he cannot remember seeing a wound on the face of the accused or a laceration to his head.

Kevin Duffy, now retired, was giving evidence in the trial of Mark Nash, who is accused of murdering two women in Grangegorman.

Mr Nash (42), has pleaded not guilty at the Central Criminal Court to the murder of Sylvia Shields (60) and Mary Callanan (61) in 1997.

Mr Duffy was on duty at Mill Street Garda station in Galway on August 16th, 1997, when Mr Nash was arrested on the Tuam Road in Galway for a serious assault.

The court heard yesterday how Mr Duffy cannot remember seeing a wound on the face of Mr Nash, a laceration to his head or hearing of an inquiry at the time by assistant commissioner Jim McHugh,

Under cross examination from Hugh Hartnett SC, for the accused, Mr Duffy told the court his role involved the overseeing as well as having various functions in the detention of the accused.

“You were there not as an investigator, but as a protector of the rights of the detained person?” asked Mr Hartnett.

“Yes I was there to protect his rights,” replied Mr Duffy.

“In particular you were obliged to note any injuries he might have,” asked Mr Hartnett.

“Yes, this is one of things I have to do,” replied Mr Duffy.

The court previously heard from Dr Ciaran White, who examined Mr Nash at the station and observed he had a laceration on his head, an abrasion on his face as well as three superficial abrasions over his fingers and an abrasion on his knee.

The trial continues.