McBrearty mother breaks down recalling arrest
The mother of a Donegal publican arrested on suspicion of murdering a cattle dealer today broke down as she revealed the distress it caused her.
Rosalind McBrearty, whose son Frank McBrearty Jr was arrested in relation to the death of Raphoe man Richie Barron in 1996, said she found the searches of the home she shared with her husband, Frank McBrearty Sr, extremely distressing.
“I couldn’t believe it but there were rumours going around the town that my son and Mark McConnell were involved in this man’s death. Looking back now my son and my husband were at their work with 600 people,” she said, as she broke down giving her evidence.
She said her husband Mr McBrearty Sr travelled to Dublin in an attempt to seek help from TDs about the rumours over the death.
The Morris Tribunal, which is investigating Garda corruption in Donegal, is currently hearing claims some 12 people, many related to the McBrearty family, were interrogated, intimidated and abused during the botched death probe.
The tribunal has found all those arrested were wrongfully arrested.
Gardaí believed Mr McBrearty Jr and his cousin Mr McConnell had killed Raphoe cattle dealer Mr Barron after his body was discovered at the roadside in the early hours of the morning.
However, it was later ruled Mr Barron was the victim of a hit-and-run rather than assault. No-one has ever been charged in relation to his death on October 14, 1996.
Mr McBrearty Jr was arrested on December 4, 1996, and on February 4, 1997. He was taken to Letterkenny Garda Station on both occasions.
Mr McBrearty Sr was arrested December 5, 1996, on suspicion of attempting to bribe witnesses and was held for 14 days as he was hospitalised during arrest.
