A decision is expected on Monday in a High Court action in which a Co Cavan farmer is suing the State for damages.
The action by Mr Eugene Martin (55), of Corlea, Kingscourt, Co Cavan, relates to an alleged incident at Dundalk Garda station in 1996 in which Mr Martin claims he was hit by a garda in the mouth. The State denies his claim.
Counsel for both sides gave their closing addresses to the jury yesterday, and Mr Justice Smith will sum up on Monday.
Mr Martin claims Garda Kieran Reidy "whacked" him in the mouth, bursting his lips, following his refusal to put his money into a brown envelope after he had been taken to Dundalk Garda station in the early hours of March 26th, 1996.
Garda Reidy rejected the allegation that he punched Mr Martin in the mouth and broke his false teeth.
Mr Martin said he was driving home when stopped by gardai who claimed he was drinking. He was brought to the Garda station and told to empty his pockets and throw his belongings into an envelope. He claimed he became upset after gardai refused to check his money in his presence.
Garda Reidy said he and another garda had brought Mr Martin to a cell, but Mr Martin, who was attempting to leave, refused to let go of Garda Reidy's jumper and jacket. The garda said he managed to free himself and they got the cell door closed.
A short time later, Mr Martin was brought to the day room to make a phone call. He was picking at his face with his nails, drawing blood and daubing it on his face and fingers, the garda said.