Quinn denial on missing papers in driving case

Former international soccer star Niall Quinn last night denied that he had anything to do with the "misplacement of papers" in a drink driving case taken against him by the Garda.

An internal Garda inquiry is examining how official documents relating to a drink driving prosecution against Mr Quinn (39) have gone missing.

Mr Quinn was stopped by gardaí on the M50 motorway last Friday following a call from another motorist.

A Garda spokeswoman last night told The Irish Times that an inquiry was being carried out under Assistant Commissioner Al McHugh into "how papers concerning the investigation of an alleged road traffic offence had been mislaid in a Dublin Garda station."

The Garda statement did not identify Mr Quinn.

A Garda spokeswoman last night said all issues would be examined as part of the official inquiry.

Garda sources said that despite the missing documents, a prosecution case against Mr Quinn could still go ahead as copies of the material were available.

In a statement last night Mr Quinn said he did not "have any hand, act or part in the misplacement of the papers in question" and that he was happy to hand over any documentation in his possession.

"Regrettably I must confirm that I was interviewed by a member of An Garda Síochána in relation to a matter but would like to stress that I have not been charged with any offence.

"I find it extraordinary that I have to make this statement and, like any other citizen, am happy for justice to take its course and if charged, will address the matter when it comes before the court. "

Mr Quinn said his solicitor had written to the Garda "requesting an explanation as to what happened the papers and also requesting an explanation as to why vital information was disclosed to the media".

Mr Quinn gave a breath test after being taken to Blanchardstown Garda station last Friday. Three copies of the result were printed off and each was signed by a garda and the footballer.

It is understood that gardaí at Blanchardstown have copies of the intoxiliser machine print-out and the custody record of Mr Quinn's attendance at the station.