A Dublin-based Garda has gone on trial accused of assaulting an RTÉ cameraman during a protest in 2016.

Garda Sean Lucey has also pleaded not guilty to a charge of criminal damage.

Garda Lucey is accused of assault causing harm to RTÉ cameraman Colm Hand at Cathedral Street, Dublin 1 on February 6th 2016.

He is also accused of damaging his camera, and pleaded not guilty to both charges when they were put to him today.

The jury panel was told there were two protests in the area at the time.

One was led by a group called PEGIDA, which was described in court as an organisation whose aim is to protect national identity.

Judge Karen O'Connor said there was a counter-event in the area on the same day involving the European Network Against Racism.

She also told the jurors that Mr Lucey has been stationed at Crumlin Village Garda station and Sundrive Road Garda station.

She then read out a list of proposed witnesses, and asked anyone who felt they may have any difficulties in relation to impartiality to bring them to her attention.

A jury of seven women and five men was then sworn in to hear the trial.

It is due to start Monday and is expected to take up to five days.

Main image: Garda Sean Lucey arrives at the Criminal Courts of Justice in April 2019 for allegedly assaulting RTÉ cameraman Colm Hand during a protest | Image: Sam Boal/RollingNews.ie

Reporting by Frank Greaney