A garda rejected an allegation in the High Court yesterday that he punched a Co Cavan farmer in the mouth and broke his false teeth. Garda Kieran Reidy, stationed in Dundalk, was giving evidence in an action for damages brought against the State by Mr Eugene Martin, of Corlea, Kingscourt.
Mr Martin alleged that Garda 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 on March 26th, 1996. He claimed he suffered serious injuries.
Mr Martin said he had been driving home in the early hours of the morning with two friends when stopped by gardai who claimed he had been 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.
The State denies his claims.
Garda Reidy said he and Garda Adrian Donoghue 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. 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. Mr Martin was picking at his face with his nails, drawing blood and daubing it on his face and fingers. He accused Garda Reidy of hitting him. Garda Reidy said Mr Martin asked for his name and number and he told Mr Martin his name.
Mr John Peart SC, for Mr Martin, said they had heard for the first time the claim that Mr Martin was picking and cutting his face.
Garda Reidy said that was what he had seen: Mr Martin appeared to be trying to draw blood. He did not see any cuts.
Mr Peart asked what Garda Reidy thought had stopped Mr Martin attempting to leave his cell. Garda Reidy said he believed Mr Martin was tired. He denied Mr Martin could not leave because he (Garda Reidy) had punched him. He did not lose his temper.
The hearing continues today before Mr Justice Smith and a jury.