THE Garda Commissioner has criticised the media use of pictures and interviews with crime suspects after four daily newspapers carried front-page photographs of a man who is sought for questioning about the murder of journalist Veronica Guerin.
Gardai have become gravely concerned at the use of photographs and the self-exculpatory interviews with at least three of the main suspects in the Guerin investigation.
The investigators also know that the gang has been receiving advice from a para-legal source about ways to undermine possible, prosecutions.
In a statement yesterday, the Commissioner, Mr Patrick Byrne, said he was "concerned about current trends of media interviews with suspects for, and witnesses of, crime". Such interviews, he said, "create risks of interference with criminal investigations, trials and with the rights of innocent people which are paramount. The Garda cannot participate in public debate about the involvement of an individual in any particular crime."
Gardai believe that the gang behind Ms Guerin's murder are engaged in self-publicity with the objective of undermining witness evidence in any criminal case against them.
Widespread publicity and the publication of photographs could be a defence in a criminal case and could be used to undermine witness identification. However, there is case history for courts disregarding pre-publicity.
Gardai have been aware that, the gang responsible for Ms Guerin's murder were receiving advice from a man with some legal knowledge but with no professional qualifications.