Publican turned to drink after Garda interrogation

THE wife of a publican yesterday fought back tears as she claimed her husband turned to alcohol to cope with abuse and intimidation he allegedly suffered in Letterkenny Garda Station.

The Morris Tribunal into garda corruption in Donegal heard how Mark Quinn’s arrest in December 1996 in relation to the death of cattle dealer Richie Barron put a strain on his marriage and business.

Donna Quinn told how her husband bottled everything up, suffering nightmares over post-mortem photographs he was shown by investigating officers.

“It has affected Mark and it did affect our marriage for a long time. His way of coping with it was through alcohol and I suppose it was a way of shutting everything away instead of confronting it.”

Mr Quinn was arrested for ‘covering up’ for Mark McConnell, who gardaí wrongly believed had killed Mr Barron.

The publican owned the pub in Raphoe where officers claimed Mr Barron and Mr McConnell had a violent row the night before his boy was found. It was later accepted Mr Barron was the victim of a hit-and-run.

Mr Quinn previously told the tribunal post-mortem pictures of Mr Barron’s head and body were pushed into his face, with gardaí telling him to think of the brains in the photographs as they gave him chicken to eat.

He also claims he was manhandled and dragged from his car during his arrest and shouted at continuously by interviewing officers.

He also made allegations that he was pulled over the interviewing table twice and called a murdering bastard.

Former Detective Garda PJ Keating yesterday denied all the accusations.

Two years after Mr Quinn’s ordeal the couple compiled notes of events during his time in custody and are taking civil action against the State. Mr Quinn also completed a rehabilitation course for alcohol.

“We needed to have a record,” said Mrs Quinn.

“I needed for him to confront it, he wouldn’t see anybody about the way he was feeling.”