Courts / Cavan / Report

Sources weren't "pouring poison" in reporter's ear, Tribunal hears

Summary

In a hearing before the Charleton tribunal, RTÉ journalist Paul Reynolds denied that he had received any negative briefing or "poison" from sources about whistleblower Sgt Maurice McCabe. Reynolds explained that he had taken notes during conversations in preparation for a 9 May 2016 broadcast on the O'Higgins Commission report, which investigated complaints by McCabe about policing in the Cavan‑Monaghan garda division. The notes referenced a 2006 sexual‑abuse allegation against McCabe that the Director of Public Prosecutions had dismissed the following year, and Reynolds said he never used or broadcast that information. He stated that rumours about McCabe were "around, in the ether," but he did not focus on them once the DPP decision was known. Reynolds also claimed he had not been part of any negative briefing and that his notes were not intended for detailed legal scrutiny.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Sources weren't "pouring poison" in reporter's ear, Tribunal hears. Procedural stage: hearing_or_decision

When:

• 9 May 2016 Other
• May 2016 Other
• 2018-06-14 Publication

Why: Mr Reynolds said that he did not consider being told facts about the investigation and DPP decision as negative, because he was being told facts. CNI source report

Places mentioned

Topics

Stage Hearing Or Decision

Read the original CNI report