A Dublin man is suing Smyths Toys for damages claiming he was wrongly accused of stealing a toy duck.

David Mongan from Rathfarnham, alleges he was defamed at the Belgard Road, Tallaght branch of the toy superstore on 27th November 2007.

He claims he was accosted by a security guard while Christmas shopping with his wife Deirdre and her 11-year-old brother and asked in front of other customers: 'Where is the duck, I know you have it, I want to see it, take it out'.

The walking, talking duck was greeted with laughter when presented in the High Court for the jury to look at.

The 28-year-old boxing instructor said he had tried out the toy on the floor of Smyths and had thought his then 1-year-old son would find it hilarious.

He claims he told his brother in law William to put the duck into his wife's shopping basket after which he was approached by security guard Chris Kabil who he described as 'quite big' and 'intimidating'.

'On fire with embarrassment'

The High Court has heard the alleged incident left him 'on fire with embarrassment' and that he could see ladies looking, like they thought he was caught shoplifting.

He claims he only received a 'mealy-mouthed apology' after he called gardai to the store.

The father of one says the incident left him depressed.

He started to drink more and at one point thought about making an attempt on his life.

Smyths Toys denies David Mongan was ever accused of stealing.

It says while patrolling the aisles the security guard had asked him twice to stop messing with the duck and that he had replied 'Do you think i'm going to rob it?'

The jury has heard Mr. Kabil will say there was nobody in earshot at the time.