A detective denied at the Special Criminal Court yesterday that a Dublin man accused of having explosives was assaulted during questioning at Santry Garda station.
Det Garda Sean O'Brien said no assault took place on Mr Michael Blount while he was present.
He denied a suggestion by Mr Blount's counsel, Mr Hugh Hartnett SC, that Mr Blount was struck twice in the ribs and once with the back of a hand in the face by a detective during an interview at Santry.
Mr Eamonn Flanagan (43), a native of Co Tyrone, with an address at Skerries, Co Dublin; Mr Seamus McLoughlin (67), of Balkill Park, Howth, and Mr Blount (49), of Balbriggan, have pleaded not guilty to possession of an explosive substance in Howth.
A fourth man, Mr Joseph Dillon (53), public relations officer for the 32 County Sovereignty Movement, has pleaded not guilty to possession of an explosive substance.
Garda O'Brien said Mr Blount complained of headaches and a doctor was called to examine him. Mr Blount later made a complaint to the sergeant who was the member-in-charge at Santry but he was not aware of the nature of the complaint.
Garda O'Brien said in his opinion Mr Blount was attempting to frustrate the interview by complaining of headaches.
Dr Fakih told the court that he was called to examine Mr Blount on two occasions. On the first occasion Mr Blount told him he suffered from sinusitis and he gave him an antibiotic.
On the second occasion Mr Blount complained that he had been punched twice in the ribs and slapped on the left cheek.
He examined Mr Blount and found a very faint red mark on the left cheek and a very faint red mark on his left ribcage, which could have been consistent with his allegations.
The trial continues today.