Garda swayed by doctor in returning gun to Carthy

THE garda superintendent who authorised the return of John Carthy’s shotgun did not believe him suitable to hold a firearm but was swayed by the contrary opinion of a psychiatrist.

Supt Denis Cullinane, now retired, told the Barr Tribunal he was concerned about Mr Carthy’s history of mental illness and told him in a meeting with him on October 6 1998 that he could not return the gun to him unless he was satisfied it was safe to do so. Mr Carthy sought the meeting because his gun had been seized in August, ostensibly as part of a routine check, but he had been told he could have it back in a week and he had got no explanation for the

delay.