Trainee barrister accused of assaulting gardaí in Dublin

A self-described trainee barrister has been accused of leaving a garda with a tennis ball-sized lump on his forehead in a Dublin city centre assault.

Dominic Gallagher, aged 35, of Dunluce Avenue, Belfast, appeared at Dublin District Court charged with assault causing harm at Aston Quay, D2, at around 2.30 AM on 20 July 2026.

Garda Colin Kyne Delaney told Judge Kelly that the accused came to Dublin on Saturday after leaving a mental health institution in the North.

In court, Mr Gallagher described himself as a trainee barrister and said he would represent himself.

The garda cited the strength of the evidence, telling the court that two officers were flagged down by the accused.

The court heard that Mr Gallagher said he had been staying in a hostel at Aston Quay, Dublin 2, but had not been permitted to re-enter the premises.

"It was alleged that Mr Gallagher had been verbally abusive towards staff and made racial remarks towards them and was no longer welcome," Garda Delaney said.

The two gardaí cautioned the accused under the Public Order Act and directed him to leave the vicinity peacefully.

The court heard he failed to comply, at which point he was told he would be arrested.

Judge Kelly was told Mr Gallagher was advised he would be handcuffed and to put his hands behind his back. The court heard Mr Gallagher attempted to flee the area.

Gardaí received strikes from the accused while trying to restrain him

It was alleged the two gardaí tried to restrain him and each received strikes from the accused.

The first officer was struck twice to the chin and once on his cheek.

The court heard that the second garda was struck with a left hook and fell to the ground, and that the accused fled toward the Abbey Street and O'Connell Street areas while being pursued by the officer.

The court was told that a baton and incapacitant spray were used on Mr Gallagher but they "had no effect".

It was alleged that he disarmed the garda of his baton and fled, but when later arrested, he informed gardaí where it could be recovered.

Upon questioning, he stated, "I don't believe resisting an unjust arrest is a crime".

The court also heard that the second garda suffered a tennis-ball-sized lump to his forehead and a chipped tooth, and that directions from the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) were not yet available.

Both gardaí remain off duty.

The accused, who said he was a trainee barrister, stated that he had family in Dublin and Galway with whom he could live and tried to assure the court that he would not risk his ability to enter the jurisdiction or being "on the run" in the Republic.

He also said that his involvement with mental health services in Northern Ireland was a result of his political views.

Judge Kelly noted he had no legal representation and held that he could be granted €100 cash bail with conditions, once the investigating officer confirms he is welcome to stay at his aunt's address in Dublin.

He was remanded in custody to appear again tomorrow with a direction that he receives medical attention.