Probe driven by false statements, inquiry told

TWO men were identified as suspects in the supposed murder of cattle dealer Richie Barron because of false witness statements allegedly concocted by a garda, the Morris Tribunal has heard.

The men, Mark McConnell and Frank McBrearty Jr, became suspects within 48 hours of the death of Mr Barron despite gardaí not even knowing whether a murder took place and the failure to preserve the scene or have a forensic examination of the body.

The tribunal heard that Gda John O'Dowd told his superiors he had information that placed the men near the death scene minutes after it happened.