No evidence on garda computers to support negative briefing allegations, tribunal told

A forensic examination of computers and mobile devices used by senior gardaí has uncovered no evidence supporting allegations made by former press officer Superintendent David Taylor that he was instructed to issue negative media briefings about whistleblower Sergeant Maurice McCabe, the Charleton Tribunal has heard. Scientists from the Forensic Service Northern Ireland examined devices belonging to Superintendent Taylor, former garda commissioners Martin Callinan and Nóirín O'Sullivan, and systems at Garda headquarters, including the PULSE database, covering the period from July 2012 to May 2014. Superintendent Taylor alleges he was directed by Mr Callinan to brief journalists negatively about Sergeant McCabe; Mr Callinan denies this. Searches using thirty-three keywords yielded no relevant findings. Two garda systems examined contained files relating to Sergeant McCabe, but neither concerned negative briefings. Two privileged systems remain to be examined, with further evidence expected.