Tape suspects call after case collapses

A SENIOR opposition politician yesterday called for all garda interviews with suspects to be videotaped.

It follows the acquittal of two young north Dublin men, who were accused of beating to death health board worker Brian Fitzpatrick. The 43-year-old single man was found injured five years ago, close to the home he shared with his elderly parents.

The jury was directed to bring in a not guilty verdict against Richard Bourke and Michael Geoghan, following a ruling by Mr Justice Liam McKechnie, who said certain alleged statements and memoranda of interviews with the two men should be excluded from evidence. The interviews were held in Blanchardstown and Finglas Garda stations in early 1998.