Ex-garda rejects link to Barron's death

A former garda has emphatically rejected allegations that he had an involvement of any kind in the death of Raphoe cattle dealer…

A former garda has emphatically rejected allegations that he had an involvement of any kind in the death of Raphoe cattle dealer Richie Barron 11 years ago.

John O'Dowd, who was criticised in earlier reports by the Morris tribunal, said he had gone drinking with his colleague Garda Padraig Mulligan, who was supposed to be on duty in Raphoe at the time, on the night that Mr Barron died.

Both gardaí were dismissed from the force in late 2005.

As he completed evidence at the tribunal for the last time, Mr O'Dowd read a brief statement saying that the allegation that he had an involvement in the death of the late Richie Barron has caused his family and friends considerable upset and distress.

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"It is an allegation that I deny emphatically."

The former garda rejected allegations that another colleague, former sergeant John White, had threatened Liam O'Donnell, an employee of Raphoe publican Frank McBrearty snr, and told him he would spend five years in prison or have to sell his home and move.

In a statement to the High Court, Mr O'Donnell said that the incident occurred when he was arrested on February 4th, 1997.

At the tribunal earlier this month, Mr O'Donnell said that Mr White made the comments during a visit to his home on January 11th, 1997, four weeks before he was arrested.

The tribunal was told that Mr White was not present when Mr O'Donnell was arrested.

The tribunal has now completed its inquiries into allegations of Garda harassment made by Mr McBrearty and others, and has invited written submissions from all interested parties.

The inquiry will resume on Monday, December 3rd, to consider its final module.

This will examine the conduct of the Garda Complaints Board in examining complaints from the McBrearty family and others in Donegal, and expects to complete its work before the end of the year.