Security guard tells trial of being attacked at Strokestown repossession farm

A security guard giving evidence at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court has described being attacked during a repossession at a rural property near Strokestown, County Roscommon. The witness told the court he was pushed to the ground and struck multiple times on the back, face, hands and legs before being ordered to remain still. He sustained a bleeding leg wound and was later treated at Mullingar Hospital for smoke inhalation. The incident occurred on 16 December 2018 at Falsk, when approximately 30 people, some masked and armed with various implements, arrived at the 30-acre estate. The court heard four security personnel were assaulted and their vehicles set alight. Four men have pleaded not guilty to 17 charges each, including false imprisonment, assault causing harm, aggravated burglary, arson and violent disorder. The trial before Judge Martina Baxter and jury continues.