A 25-year-old Dublin bouncer who claims he was groped by broadcaster Eamon Dunphy is on trial accused of making a false statement to gardaí.
David Heatly from Devenish Rd in Crumlin alleges that Mr Dunphy indecently assaulted him outside a Leeson St nightclub in April 2003. Mr Heatly denies he made a false statement to gardaí.
Mr Dunphy said that he went to Buck Whaley's nightclub on the night in question. He recalled a bit of light-hearted banter at the door but the club was almost over and after a look inside he left.
Mr Heatly told a different story to gardaí later that night. He claimed Mr Dunphy was aggressive to him, kissed him, slapped him on the face and groped his testicles.
Mr Dunphy told the jury in the Dublin Circuit Criminal Court today that nothing untoward took place. He said he is not an aggressive person and that he is not in the habit of kissing bouncers.
Another variation of the night was recounted by nightclub manager Steven Newman. He claims there was a kiss, a good-humoured peck on the cheek by Mr Dunphy. He said this took place after some talk about Mr Dunphy preferring little boys to ladies.
Mr Newman described the slap on the face as a brush and went on to recall that Mr Heatly immediately said to the group 'that is an assault....you all saw that'.
Mr Heatly then went to the gardaí and Mr Newman said in evidence that on his return he said that an allegation of indecent assault against Mr Dunphy would be worth €15,000 in an out-of-court settlement.
Mr Newman said he also understood that if he backed the accused he would be looked after financially. He said he did not want to get involved in this controversy but that he could not stand by and see someone's reputation taken.
The trial before a jury of seven men and five women continues tomorrow.
