Courts / Donegal / Report
Tribunal hears of threats made against whistleblower's life
Summary
The Charleton tribunal heard evidence on October 23rd regarding threats made against Garda Keith Harrison's life in October 2013. Chief Superintendent Terry McGinn of Donegal division outlined how two anonymous 999 calls on 4th and 5th October reported threats against Garda Harrison. The first call described an overheard conversation in a Strabane bar, and the second indicated the threat originated from a relation of Martin McDermott, who was imprisoned following a manslaughter conviction. McDermott was the brother of Garda Harrison's partner. The threats were assessed as substantial, leading to security measures and restrictions on Garda Harrison's movements. A mobile phone subsequently located in Portlaoise Prison resulted in McDermott's release date being postponed. The tribunal also examined contacts between gardaí and HSE/Tusla regarding Garda Harrison. Superintendent Eugene McGovern, stationed in Buncrana, confirmed attending meetings with Tusla management but stated that individual cases were not discussed at such forums. A referral concerning Garda Harrison's partner and her children resulted in no further action pending additional information.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Tribunal hears of threats made against whistleblower's life. Procedural stage: hearing_or_decision
When:
- October 2013 Other
- 4 October Other
- 5 October 2013 Other
- 13 October Other
- 5 November 2013 Other
- 29 November 2013 Other
- 24 October 2013 Other
- 2017-10-23 Publication
Why: The number used to make the anonymous calls could not be identified by gardai because the calls were made from a phone which had no SIM in it, the tribunal heard. CNI source report
Places mentioned
Topics
Stage Hearing Or Decision Violent Crime
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