Morris tribunal:A detective sergeant claimed yesterday that a colleague who made new allegations that he was in a rage during an interrogation was being vindictive.
Det Sgt John White said the allegations made by Insp Michael Keane were untrue and he made the allegations as there was bad blood between them.
The new allegations were made by Insp Keane at the tribunal last week and again yesterday.
He said Det Sgt White twice leaned across the table, put forward a barrage of questions, and was in a rage with spittle leaving his mouth.
He said the outbursts happened during an interview with Sean Crossan in Letterkenny Garda station on December 11th, 1996, when he was a detective sergeant.
Mr Crossan was one of 12 people arrested over the death of cattle dealer Richie Barron in Raphoe in October 1996. The tribunal has since found he was a hit-and-run victim.
Mr Crossan has alleged Det Sgt White punched him in the chest and genitals, cut his eye and ear, and spat in his mouth.
Det Sgt White has denied the allegations at the tribunal.
Insp Keane, resuming his evidence earlier yesterday, said Det Sgt White was "in a state". He was not saying it was wrong but inappropriate towards Mr Crossan and over the top.
Queried by the chairman, Mr Justice Frederick Morris, Insp Keane said he thought Det Sgt White could have been more gentle with Mr Crossan who was a witness. "He wasn't a criminal, put it that way."
He said he had gone around the back of Mr Crossan as he was afraid that if it progressed further Det Sgt White might have assaulted the prisoner.
Insp Keane said he did not see Det Sgt White assault the prisoner or carry out any of the acts alleged by Mr Crossan.
Det Sgt White was recalled to the witness box, and said the allegation by Insp Keane did not happen. "I feel DI Keane was vindictive towards me. I was totally ambushed by it [the allegation] but it's just down to bad blood. I wish it would stop."