Hardy Bucks star Martin Maloney cleared of assault

Actor walks free after judge does not accept evidence of two bouncers

Actor Martin Maloney (30), Bollingbrook Drive, Swinford, Co Mayo, arriving at Dublin District Court yesterday  where he was cleared of  charges under Section 3 of the Non-Fatal Offences Against the Person Act for assault causing harm to Brian Smith and Mark O’Shaughnessy at the Big Tree pub on October 9th, 2012. Photograph: Collins Courts
Actor Martin Maloney (30), Bollingbrook Drive, Swinford, Co Mayo, arriving at Dublin District Court yesterday where he was cleared of charges under Section 3 of the Non-Fatal Offences Against the Person Act for assault causing harm to Brian Smith and Mark O’Shaughnessy at the Big Tree pub on October 9th, 2012. Photograph: Collins Courts

Actor Martin Maloney, who starred in RTÉ series Hardy Bucks, has been cleared of attacking two doormen during a row when he was appearing at a Dublin pub.

Mr Maloney (30), from Swinford, Co Mayo, but now living in Sweden with his wife and child, walked free after Dublin District Court Judge Ann Watkin said she did not accept the evidence of two bouncers, which was contradicted by security camera footage.

The actor pleaded not guilty to assault causing harm to Brian Smith and Mark O’Shaughnessy at the Big Tree pub, Drumcondra, on October 9th, 2012.

Mr Maloney was DJing at the Big Tree when he became involved in an altercation with Mr Smith, a member of the security staff, over the queuing system at the toilets and the route back to the stage area.

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The prosecution had alleged he grabbed Mr Smith in a headlock from behind and held him on the ground before punching him repeatedly. It was also alleged the actor was being forcibly removed when he kicked Mr O’Shaughnessy.

Judge Watkin found Mr Maloney not guilty after she viewed CCTV evidence which contradicted their evidence as well as that of other prosecution witnesses.