Former Garda sergeant claims superior told him to cover up child sexual abuse allegation

Retired Gda Sgt Paul Barry, formerly of Mitchelstown Garda Station in Co. Cork, said the suspect was allegedly connected to senior gardaí

Former Garda Sergeant Paul Barry told the Disclosures Tribunal at Dublin Castle that the situation was "not created by me, it was created by your client [Supt Comyns] when he directed me to cover up the sexual abuse of a child". File picture: Gareth Chaney/ Collins Photos

A former Garda sergeant says he was told by his superior to "cover up" the alleged sexual abuse of a child in which a suspect was allegedly connected to senior gardaí, the Disclosures Tribunal has heard.

The tribunal heard that the superintendent denies the allegations and has described them as "unfounded and vexatious".