Garda breaks down over alibi query

A suspended detective sergeant today broke down at the Morris Tribunal after he challenged the inquiry to summon his wife and mother to support an alibi.

The tribunal adjourned for five minutes to allow Det Sgt John White to compose himself.

The experienced detective, who was suspended in 2001, is at the centre of garda corruption allegations by Co Sligo petty criminal Bernard Conlon.

Mr Conlon claimed that Det Sgt White met him in Raphoe in August 1997 and told him to drink after-hours in a local pub and later act as a prosecution witness.

But the experienced detective today claimed he was in his Ballybofey home on the night in question and challenged the tribunal to call his mother and wife as witnesses to confirm this.

“I hate the thought of putting my mother through this…” he said before breaking down.

Tribunal counsel Paul McDermott asked Det Sgt White if he was alright, and he replied: “I’m a bit upset.”

Chairman Justice Frederick Morris then called a short five-minute adjournment.

Det Sgt White is into his second day of evidence in the current ’Silver Bullet’ module of the inquiry into garda corruption in Co Donegal.

He earlier said the Carty internal investigation team could have checked his mobile telephone for cell-site identification at the time to verify his movement.

“I’m left with no evidence except for my word,” he said.