A man in his 70s was arrested on UCD campus, The University Observer has learned. Gardaí were called to campus on the evening of May 31st in response to reports of a man armed with a knife. Upon refusing to drop his knife, Gardaí arrested the man.
However, according to multiple eyewitness accounts, one Garda struck the arrested man three times in the head after he had already been incapacitated and disarmed. Multiple eyewitnesses also alleged that a member of the Gardaí ordered onlookers not to film the incident.
Members of estate services also attended the scene after the arrest.
An Garda Síochána have made the following statement:
“Gardaí responded to reports of an armed male on the UCD Campus, Belfield on 31st May at approximately 7pm. Upon arrival a male was discovered to be in possession of an offensive weapon, and was requested to surrender it. He subsequently refused and was arrested as a result. The male (70s) was charged as a result and is due to appear before Dun Laoghaire District Court on 26th June.”
The Garda Press Office did not address direct questions on whether a Garda had struck the man in the head, or on whether the onlookers were instructed not to film the incident.
UCD Estate Services have also acknowledged receipt of a press query from University Observer, but at the time of publishing are yet to respond.
It is understood that a formal complaint is being made to the Garda Ombudsman regarding the alleged incident.
The University Observer would encourage any witnesses to reach out confidentially to deputy@universityobserver.ie.