Garda sergeant shocked at fellow officer's explosives test
A sergeant was shocked and astonished when another officer dipped a spoon into powder fro a suspect device to test it for explosive materials, the Morris Tribunal heard today.
Sgt Sean McKenna said he was stunned after Sgt John White, now a suspended detective sergeant, put a spoon into the substance he was sending away for independent tests to verify the contents.
“He just dipped the spoon into the mound and took the sample with him, and went out,” Sgt McKenna, who was stationed at Ardara Garda Station during the controversy over the telecoms mast, said.
“I was stunned into silence.”
Under cross-examination by Sgt White’s barrister, John Whelan SC, Sgt McKenna said: “I don’t recollect what my thoughts were at the time but I am sure I was shocked and astonished at what had happened.”
Sgt McKenna said the incident took place in Glenties Garda Station on the evening of November 19, 1996, after the device was found at the controversial telecoms mast in Ardara, Co Donegal. The sergeant said he was packaging the device at the time, and putting the powder into sealed bags, to send away for testing.
Sgt White has denied testing the materials outside the garda station by trying to set alight a spoonful of powder.
The tribunal is currently examining claims an explosive device was constructed at a Donegal garda station and planted at the mast in order to arrest a number of people.
Pat O’Donnell, who retired from An Garda Síochana after 34-years service, earlier this week told the tribunal some gardai believed the device found at the mast in Ardara on November 19, 1996 may have been planted as a set-up in order to arrest people.
Mr O’Donnell said some gardai believed the device may have been made from fireworks seized and stored in Glenties Garda Station.
Under cross-examination from Mr Whelan, Sgt McKenna told the tribunal he was not alleging that Sgt White put the device on the mast.
Mr Whelan said: “Did you ever suggest it to anybody that he might have done it?” Sgt McKenna replied: “No.”
Mr Whelan queried the reason Sgt McKenna, as the sergeant in charge, had not reported the alleged incident at the time.
“I should have sent a note with the device saying a sample had been taken out of it for testing by Sgt White,” Sgt McKenna said, adding that he did not know why he had not taken action or told his superior officer.
Mr Whelan said: “You didn’t do it because it didn’t happen, that is what I put to you sergeant”
“That is incorrect,” the sergeant replied.
Later, Sgt McKenna admitted he could be subject to discipline as he was in charge of the exhibit and did nothing about Sgt White allegedly interfering with it.
“Yes, very real possibility,” Sgt McKenna said, adding that he may have been trying to save Sgt White as well.
“I don’t think there is such a thing as immunity from discipline even now, and that would be a major fear to me after this tribunal. It is still a real possibility after this tribunal that I could still be disciplined.”
Under cross-examination, Sgt McKenna said he was not offered immunity by the Carty team if he stood by his statement against Sgt White.
The sergeant told the tribunal he later remembered Sgt White indicating that he believed the substance was explosive after he had carried out the test at the back of the garda station.
