A garda who is on trial for assault during the Reclaim the Streets Protest on Mayday 2002 has admitted using excessive force on one protestor.
Garda Donal Corcoran said he regretted causing an injury to student Brian Hayden and admitted his behaviour was not admirable on the day. However he denies three charges of assault and said he was acting in self defence in a hostile situation.
Garda Corcoran told the court he was given one week's training in crowd control at the Garda College in Templemore. But his first experience of dealing with a hostile crowd was at the reclaim the streets protest on Mayday 2002.
There, he used his baton on one protestor Brian Hayden, resulting in injuries to Mr Hayden which required eight stitches. He denies ever hitting two other protestors.
Today he admitted he used excessive force when he hit Brian Hayden. He said he believed Mr Hayden was going to punch one of his colleagues. He said he intended to bring the baton down on his arm but accepts that instead he hit him on the head.
Garda Corcoran said he regretted the injuries caused to Brian Hayden.
He said 'no-one regrets it more than me, I'm not just saying that because I might lose my job or go to jail over this, when this is all over I'll be man enough to say I'm sorry.'
He also said his behaviour on the day was not admirable but at all times he believed his actions were justified. He said the Gardaí were trying to restore order to a situation where lawlessness was rife.
