Gardaí deny intimidating and threatening ‘model prisoner’

GARDAÍ yesterday denied claims they threatened and intimidated a woman accused of covering up for a murder suspect in Donegal.

The Morris Tribunal heard Edel Quinn, who officers suspected was hiding information in relation to the death of cattle dealer Richie Barron, was a model prisoner. Detective Sergeant Desmond Sheridan told the hearing Ms Quinn fully co-operated and interviews were carried out with respect and courtesy towards her at all times.

She was interviewed four times during her 12-hour detention on December 4, 1996. Gardaí believed she was covering up for her brother-in-law Mark McConnell, who was wrongly suspected of killing Mr Barron on October 14. It was later ruled he had been the victim of a hit-and-run.