'I am sorry judges, I am not giving any evidence in trial ever'

Man allegedly tortured and branded 'RAT' refuses to take stand in court

- BY EOIN REYNOLDS

A MAN who told gardai he was beaten with a breaker bar, waterboarded, threatened with rape and branded with the letters 'RAT' on his face, stomach and back while being held hostage in a shed has refused to give evidence before the Special Criminal Court.

Garnet Orange SC, for the Director of Public Prosecutions, yesterday opened the trial of four men before the three-judge, non-jury court before calling the alleged victim, Barry Moore, 34, to the witness stand.

Mr Moore had been brought into court by prison officers, having been arrested yesterday on foot of a bench warrant after he previously failed to appear in court.

When called, Mr Moore said: "I'm not giving evidence" and remained seated, looking at the ground, with his head in his left hand.