Woman victim of abduction gives evidence at detectives' trauma case

A young woman kidnapped by Brendan O'Donnell, who killed three people in 1994, returned to the High Court yesterday to give evidence…

A young woman kidnapped by Brendan O'Donnell, who killed three people in 1994, returned to the High Court yesterday to give evidence at an application by two gardai for compensation for trauma arising from his capture.

Ms Fiona Sampson, now 24, told how O'Donnell was captured after he had hijacked a car. Earlier, she said, he had forced her to walk four miles barefoot. She had been "quite frightened" after O'Donnell broke into her parents' home and ordered her at rifle-point to drive him.

O'Donnell had said if he had to shoot her it would be quick.

Det Gardai James Breen and Pat O'Donnell claim their Garda superiors tried to deprive them of their right to tell the truth about what happened during O'Donnell's capture near Woodford, in Co Galway. Attempts were made to change the truth of what had occurred, counsel alleged.

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Mr Jack Fitzgerald SC said his clients were seeking written reports they gave Det Insp Liam Hogan on May 7th, 1994. Mr George Bermingham SC, for the State, said the authorities did not have them, nor did Insp Hogan. The hearing resumes tomorrow.