Former detective sergeant John White threatened to crush a Donegal nightclub dynasty in just six weeks, the Morris tribunal heard today.
Solicitor Ken Smyth told the hearings he was acting for the McBrearty family of Raphoe when it began a legal fight with the State over their treatment by gardaí.
Ex-sergeant Mr White was specifically named as a co-defendant in the High Court proceedings drawn up ten years ago over the alleged harassment. "That was unusual. I remember it was unusual at the time," Mr Smyth said.
He claimed the McBreartys singled out Mr White to be named in the case because they accused him of leading the alleged campaign to destroy their business.
"[The McBrearty family] said that Sgt White in particular . . . was the person who was putting his head above the parapet, making their lives the most difficult," Mr Smyth said.
"I think it was Sgt White that, the clients instructed me, said that we'll have you gone in six weeks. We'll have the dynasty gone in six weeks."