A Dublin painter and decorator settled his claim for damages for alleged wrongful arrest by two gardai while a High Court jury was out considering its verdict yesterday.
Mr Gregory Davidson (39), of Dolphin Road, Dublin, claimed that when he came out of a shop in Dolphin's Barn on July 13th, 1994, he was taken to Sundrive Road Garda station, Dublin, where he was strip-searched. Nothing was found and he was later released.
Two gardai who were on drugs surveillance duties told the court that Mr Davidson was seen talking to a well-known female drugs dealer outside the shop. They said he was seen to hand over what appeared to be money and received a package in return.
Mr Davidson said he had bought a pint of milk and was going home when the incident occurred.
Mr Justice McCracken, in his address to the jury, said there was no doubt someone was telling lies.
The jury had been considering its verdict for more than two hours yesterday evening when Mr Justice McCracken was told the action had been settled.
Mr Paul O'Higgins SC, for the State, said the action could be struck out. He wished to acknowledge on behalf of the State and the two gardai that Mr Davidson was a man of exemplary character.
It is understood that Mr Davidson is also to receive an undisclosed sum of money in damages. Costs were allowed at the Circuit Court scale.