Garda denies mistreatingdetainee

A retired detective garda has denied mistreating Mark McConnell when he was arrested during the investigation into the death …

A retired detective garda has denied mistreating Mark McConnell when he was arrested during the investigation into the death of cattle dealer Richie Barron a decade ago.

Mr McConnell alleges Det Garda Michael O'Malley "went ballistic" in the interview, was verbally aggressive and "pushed and shoved" him.

Cousins Mr McConnell and Frank McBrearty jnr were arrested for the murder of Mr Barron in December 1996. The tribunal has found that the two men, and 10 other people who were arrested, were innocent of any involvement in the death of Mr Barron, the victim of a hit-and-run.

"I completely and categorically deny what Mark McConnell has said," said Garda O'Malley, who retired in August.