Airport police deny assault on motorist

Officers John Redmond (39) and Darragh McCann (42) are denying assaulting the man as he waited to pick up his son.

Their case was adjourned after Dublin District Court heard the motorist, Alan Casey, alleged that one airport police officer bent his fingers as he tried to prise them open to confiscate his keys, while the other punched him in the chest.

Mr Casey broke down in the witness box as he described clinging to his steering wheel in fear during the alleged assaults.

BENT

Redmond, of Foxfield, Carrickmacross, Co Monaghan is pleading not guilty to common assault on Mr Casey while McCann, of Earlsfort Road, Lucan denies a more serious charge of assault causing harm.

Judge William Hamill adjourned the case for continuation of the prosecution's evidence.

Mr Casey told the court he parked his Mercedes in a set down area at the back of the airport's multi-storey car park, then let his son John out to collect his girlfriend from arrivals.

He said other cars and Dublin Airport Authority vehicles were parked in the area and he believed he could stop there for a short time. He said an airport policeman approached his car and told him to move. He said he tried to explain he was waiting for his son and that the policeman returned and said, "I'm impounding this car".

Mr Casey said one of his fingers was hurt as the officer bent them back. He said he refused to leave the car because he did not feel safe and said: "I want a garda, I want a garda."

He said the officer then "set upon him". He claimed the man punched him in the chest and he decided to leave the car because he was "petrified".

In cross-examination, he denied being "belligerent". He also denied challenging the officers, striking out with his fists or calling one of them a "b*****ks" and saying, "I want a real policeman".

aphelan@herald.ie