Brendan Whitty (33) of Kevin Street Garda Station has pleaded not
guilty to assault causing harm to a homeless man.
The alleged attack, which occurred on Thomas Street, Dublin 2, on
September 20th 2007, happened hours before the man, Keith Murphy,
passed away. However it is believed his death was a result of a drug
overdose and unrelated to the garda’s actions.
The trial, which commenced on February 1st at Dublin Circuit Criminal
Court, has heard allegations that Garda Whitty “whipped and pounded”
Keith Murphy.
The trial has also heard evidence from a number of witnesses who were
on Thomas Street at the time of the incident.
Sharon Doyle told the court she she saw a garda “constantly hitting” a man who was “on his hunkers”. Ms.Doyle was working in a jewellers on
Thomas Street at the time of the incident and claims she “heard
screams”.
Mr Desmond O’Dowd said he was employed as a security guard for a
business when he saw the incident. He said the man pushed the garda
causing his hat to fall off and the garda took out his baton and
shouted repeatedly at the man to get down.
He said the man was being abusive towards the garda and when he would
not get on the ground, the garda started to hit him. However, he agreed
that the man was being abusive before the garda took action.
The trial continues before Judge Desmond Hogan along with a jury of six men
and six women.