Courts / Cavan / Report
Garda liaison tells tribunal he never saw notification with false McCabe allegation
Summary
Sgt Tony Byrne, a Garda liaison officer with Tusla, testified at the Charleton tribunal that he never saw a May 2014 notification containing a false allegation of sexual abuse against Sgt Maurice McCabe. Byrne stated he first became aware of the document, sent to Bailieboro Garda Station, only when the tribunal began. He described it as unusual for a report to be sent to gardaí regarding a case already investigated, which led to the DPP deciding not to bring charges in 2007. Byrne also confirmed he did not see a second notification sent in June 2014 that corrected the false allegation. Counsel Michael McDowell, representing McCabe, noted that Supt Leo McGinn had referred the initial notification to the chief superintendent of the Cavan-Monaghan division for potential cold case investigation. Byrne further testified that he felt uncomfortable when Tusla social worker Kay McLoughlin, the applicant, asked about McCabe at a 2015 liaison meeting, recalling the conversation only because McCabe was a public figure. The tribunal is examining claims that these allegations were used to smear McCabe's reputation. The matter is currently at the hearing stage.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Garda liaison tells tribunal he never saw notification with false McCabe allegation. Procedural stage: hearing_or_decision
When:
- May 2014 Other
- February 2010 Other
- June 2014 Hearing Or Sentence
- 2017-07-13 Publication
Case subjects
Applicant
Places mentioned
- to Bailieboro Garda Station
- was transferred to Bailieboro Garda Station
- was sent to Bailieboro garda station
Topics
Sexual Offences Stage Hearing Or Decision
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