Brian Hanrahan originally from Killenaule but stationed in Limerick insists he acted in self defence when one of the women launched at him
Giving evidence before Nenagh Circuit Court last week Emer Kelly said she was in a car with friends on the night of the alleged incident when they spotted Mr Hanrahan trying to flag down cars outside a fast food outlet in Nenagh..
She said they gave him a lift when he offered to pay €15 – however she said he became very rude in the car and they subsequently asked him to get out.
The court heard that when the women asked for the money, the off duty garda allegedly pulled Ms Kelly's hair and she fell to the ground where she claimed he punched and kicked her 6 to 8 times. Aisling King who was also in the car claimed Brian Hanrahan punched her when she went to help her friend.
Mr Hanrahan denied the claims that he kicked and punched Ms Kelly in the face and head. The 34 year old who survived a holiday shooting in the US said he acted in self defence after Emer Kelly attacked him adding the last thing he wanted was an altercation after what happened in New Orleans.
Judge Elizabeth McGrath reserved judgement in the case to consider the evidence and is due to deliver that judgement today.
