Grievous negligence investigating death, say senior gardaí

THE Morris Tribunal probe into garda corruption allegations yesterday heard claims of “grievous negligence” by officers who initially investigated the mystery roadside death of a cattle dealer in Co Donegal nearly seven years ago.

The charge was made by Supt Kevin Lennon, who later took over the inquiry into the death of Richie Barron, near Raphoe, on October 16, 1996.

In a note following his takeover of the case, Supt Lennon suggested there had been a neglect of duty on the part of officers, who when called on the night Mr Barron died among other things failed to preserve the scene of what looked like a fatal hit-and-run accident.