Garda claimed publican threatened to kill him, tribunal hears
A Garda detective claimed a Donegal publican threatened to kill him during an inspection of a nightclub, the Morris Tribunal heard today.
John Mitchell, ex head-barman at Frank McBrearty Senior’s Raphoe business, gave evidence that during a garda inspection of the premises in 1998, former Detective Sergeant John White told him Mr McBrearty Jnr threatened to kill him and his wife.
The tribunal is investigating harassment allegations made by the McBreartys against gardaí, who have been accused of singling-out and excessively inspecting the licensed business.
“Sgt White was accusing Frank McBrearty of threatening to kill him, or kill him and his wife,” Mr Mitchell said
“He had made a threat to him. From memory he (Sgt White) said he (McBrearty Jnr) threatened to kill him or his wife or knee cap, I can’t remember the exact words.”
Mr Mitchell, who said he did not believe the threat had been made, told Mr McBrearty Jnr what Mr White had said.
He then contacted Mr McBrearty Snr because he feared there might be trouble after Mr McBrearty Jnr confronted Sgt White about the accusation.
Earlier in the day the tribunal heard gardaí in the Raphoe/Ballybofey area had been ordered during the early months of 1997 to strictly enforce liquor licensing laws and inspect premises throughout the area.
But Mr Mitchell said he witnessed gardaí in Raphoe ignoring other licensed businesses in the town.
“They (gardaí) were seen walking up the street past the premises, I seen them myself,“ Mr Mitchell said.
There were four premises in direct view.
Mr Mitchell said he could not be sure how many times he saw this happening, but confirmed it was more than once.
Tribunal chairman Frederick Morris said he expected gardaí would refute Mr Mitchell’s testimony when giving their evidence and he pressed the former head barman to recall how many times he saw officers ignoring other premises.
“I couldn’t say an exact number. If I tell you 20 I could be telling you lies, if I tell you 10 I could be telling you lies,” Mr Mitchell said.
