An ex-Garda sues Irish authorities over a 2014 baton strike during a chase, claiming it caused lasting injury, while officials deny the claim.

An ex-Garda, John Bowe, is suing Irish authorities over injuries he claims resulted from a 2014 baton strike during a high-speed chase in County Wexford. Gardaí pursued him after he evaded a checkpoint linked to a burglary report. Sgt Mick Dee initially said he saw a knife and shouted “knife, knife” before Supt Rory Sheriff struck Bowe, but later admitted he was mistaken. Retired detective Noel McSweeney testified he saw no dragging and observed a head wound, and confirmed cannabis-related items were found in Bowe’s car, though Bowe was acquitted of possession. Bowe, convicted of dangerous driving, alleges the strike caused a functional neurological disorder, a claim denied by the defendants. The trial continues before Mr Justice Micheál Ó Higgins.