Death probe detective admits abusing sisters

A detective garda has admitted severely and maliciously abusing two sisters as they were quizzed over the death of Donegal cattle dealer Richie Barron, it emerged today.

In a lengthy statement to the Morris Tribunal, Det Sergeant John White revealed he lied about the atrocious treatment of Katrina Brolly and Roisin McConnell.

Turning years of denials on their head, Det Sgt White claimed he was drafted in to run interrogations and break the women.

“It was made clear to me that my role was to break the person being interviewed in order to corroborate the suspicions of An Garda Siochana,” he said in a statement.

Det Sgt White has denied the allegations three times over several years.

But now in a dramatic departure from the cover-up and deceit witnessed at the tribunal, Det Sgt White listed a catalogue of malicious abuses dished out to the two sisters while in custody.

:: Graphically shocking pictures of Mr Barron’s post mortem were shown to the women.

:: They were told Frank McBrearty Jnr had murdered Mr Barron.

:: A chair was tossed around an interview room.

:: Intemperate and insulting language was used.

:: Lights were flicked off and on.

:: Mrs McConnell was warned to tell the truth and save herself years in prison.

:: She was warned her kids could be taken from her.