A farmer told a High Court jury yesterday that a garda "whacked" him in the mouth, bursting his lips and breaking his dentures, when he refused to put his money into a brown envelope after he had been taken to Dundalk Garda Station.
Mr Eugene Martin (55), of Corlea, Kingscourt, Co Cavan, said he had asked that his money be counted in front of him before being put into any envelope.
He has taken an action for damages against the State, claiming he suffered serious personal injuries arising from the incident on March 26th, 1996.
On that date, Mr Martin said he was driving when stopped by gardai, who claimed he had been drinking. He had had a few drinks but told the gardai he was not drunk. To demonstrate that, he had hopped up and down the street on one leg. He was brought to the station, told to empty his pockets and throw his money into an envelope. He refused without it being checked in his presence.
Mr Martin said he resented being brought to a cell and was pulled along. His arms were twisted. A garda came along and "whacked" him in the mouth, burst both his lips and broke his dentures. He was locked in a cell.
The incident had been demoralising and degrading, he said.
He told a sergeant he wanted to lodge a complaint. He pointed out the garda who had hit him and when he asked for his name, the garda replied: "I will tell you that when you are sober."
The State denies Mr Martin's claims.
Garda Declan Farrell said he told Mr Martin he was being arrested on suspicion of drunken driving. Mr Martin was then driven by Garda Kieran Reidy in a Garda car and Garda Farrell drove Mr Martin's car.
At the station, he noticed Garda Reidy running out the gate. He saw Garda Reidy catching up with Mr Martin, who then put his hands around a street lamp-post and had to have his hands forcibly removed.
Mr Martin shouted abuse as he was being led back and, as he reached the station yard, his dentures fell out of his mouth, Garda Farrell said. Mr Martin refused to pick them up and he would not take them from Garda Reidy.
He refused to give his name and address. He was asked to place his property on a desk but refused. He was dancing around and talking "Chinese-type" language.
The hearing before Mr Justice Smith and a jury continues today.
