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Judge Warns Alleged Victim in Dublin 'Rat' Branding Trial After Refusal to Testify

Bail was refused as the court considers protective custody for Barry Moore during a pause for legal argument.

Overview

  • Barry Moore told the non-jury Special Criminal Court he will not give evidence, prompting a warning that he must answer questions or risk contempt.
  • He was refused bail on Saturday and remanded in custody until Monday, having already spent two nights in detention to secure his attendance.
  • Prosecutors said the Director of Public Prosecutions is not seeking to compel Moore’s testimony, citing concern about secondary traumatisation.
  • Judges noted the defence right to cross-examine and the presumption of innocence, indicating the trial proper cannot fully resume until legal issues are addressed.
  • The four accused have pleaded not guilty to charges over an alleged February 2025 assault in which the complainant says he was beaten, branded with 'RAT', and subjected to threats and simulated drowning, with earlier Garda evidence outlining his injuries.