McBrearty lawyers in meeting over compensation claim

Lawyers for Frank McBrearty Jr, the Donegal publican framed for a murder that never was, are to meet state solicitors today in the latest stage in his battle for compensation.

The private meeting is due to take place today at offices in the Four Courts with Mr McBrearty Jr determined to push for a full apology for his treatment at the hands of corrupt gardaí.

The Morris Tribunal found officers attempted to frame both Mr McBrearty and his cousin Mark McConnell for the murder of cattle dealer Richie Barron in October 1996.

He tragically died in a hit-and-run on his way from a pub in Raphoe, but a botched Garda investigation left the two relatives prime suspects for murder.

The High Court is due to hear an action for damages on behalf of the McBrearty’s on October 18.

It is expected to last several weeks with a multi-million-euro pay-out on the cards, if it goes ahead.

Damages could range from €500,000 to anywhere up to €8m.

There has been an admission of liability by the state ad the action is proceeding as an assessment of damages. But Mr McBrearty Jr has consistently demanded the state must publicly apologise for the actions of some gardaí.

However, when fixing a date for the hearing, the President of the High Court Mr Justice Joseph Finnegan urged both parties to continue their efforts to narrow the matters involved.

Any agreement that could be reached between the expert witnesses before the hearing would move the matter along, the judge said.

Lawyers for the McBrearty’s said the admission of liability by the state failed to address the manufacture by gardaí of a confession by his client for a crime which did not occur and which he did not commit.