Sergeant admits showing Quinn autopsy photos

A RETIRED garda sergeant yesterday admitted pushing a post-mortem photograph in the face of a Donegal publican.

In a dramatic U-turn, Martin Moylan told the Morris Tribunal the images had been produced while interviewing Mark Quinn in relation to the death of cattle dealer Richie Barron.

Mr Moylan had denied the allegation despite his colleague, retired garda John O’Dowd, backing Mr Quinn’s claims since 2003.

Yesterday Mr Moylan admitted his actions had been “unprofessional and unacceptable”.

A statement read from his legal team said: “He confirmed to me that during the course of the interview he and Garda John O’Dowd were conducting with Mark Quinn he brought post-mortem photographs of Richie Barron into the room and explained to me he had laid out the photographs on the table and shown them to Mark Quinn.

“He also stated he pushed one particular photograph of the deceased in front of Mark Quinn’s face.”

In May 2003, Mr Moylan had said he was “shocked” at the suggestion the photographs had been produced by him. Last Saturday he again denied the allegation, saying that if pictures had been shown it must have been when he had left the room to have a cigarette.

The tribunal heard that on Thursday night Mr Moylan had admitted his role to his wife.

“He fully accepted his actions were unprofessional and unacceptable,” the statement continued.

“He made it clear to me Garda O’Dowd had no involvement whatsoever in the decision to bring post-mortem photographs of the deceased in to the interview room or to show them to Mark Quinn.”

Mr Quinn was held in Letterkenny Garda Station in December 1996 in relation to the investigation into the death of the hit-and-run victim.

Gardaí, who initially believed the cattle dealer had been murdered, wrongly suspected Mr Quinn of covering up for prime suspect Mark McConnell.

Mr Quinn maintains being manhandled during his arrest and detention. Mr O’Dowd has denied Mr Quinn was assaulted during the interview.

Mr O’Dowd admitted knowing the showing of autopsy photographs was morally wrong, but at the time did not want to question the acts of a sergeant.