Senior garda∅ involved in the Carty inquiry in Co Donegal have confirmed that they have received an autopsy report from the State pathologist three months after the body of Raphoe man Richie Barron was exhumed.
However, a senior member of the team, Det Supt Tadhg Foley, said they would not be releasing the results "for operational reasons". He said the Barron family had been informed of this decision. Because the investigation was ongoing and the Carty team was trying to establish how Mr Barron died, the results could not be released at this stage, he said.
The Carty team has stressed the decision was taken to exhume Mr Barron's body because the investigation had reached a stage where it was seen as necessary.
Mr Barron's body was exhumed in an effort to establish whether he died as a result of a hit-and-run accident or an assault. It is believed that Dr Harbison carried out a detailed examination to determine the extent of injuries he suffered.
Mr Barron's body was found on a roadside near his home in Raphoe in October 1996, and because it was initially assumed that he was the victim of a hit-and-run, the State Pathologist was not called to do the autopsy.
A subsequent investigation by garda∅ led to allegations of harassment by Raphoe publican Mr Frank McBrearty. More than 150 summonses for minor offences against the McBrearty family and staff were subsequently withdrawn by the DPP in the district court.
An inquiry into alleged Garda malpractice in Co Donegal which was set up under Assistant Commissioner Mr Kevin Carty in 1999 is continuing. To date one Garda sergeant and five civilians have been charged.
A book of evidence against Sgt John White is expected to be ready when he appears in court again on November 1st on charges of unlawful possession of a firearm.
It is expected that any trial of Sgt White will be held in Dublin. Personnel from the Chief State Solicitor's office have taken charge of the case and it is expected that it will be argued that a jury from some place other than Donegal would have to be called.
In Donegal District Court last week, Judge John O'Donnell threatened to throw out the charge against Sgt White if the State was not ready to proceed on November 1st.
It is believed that a separate file relating to the firearm charge against Sgt White has been sent to the DPP in addition to an earlier file sent by the Carty team.
One of five civilians to be charged with making false statements to garda∅, Mr Bernard Conlon, appeared at Sligo Circuit Court this week where he was granted an application to be represented by a senior counsel.
His case was adjourned to the next sitting of the court in January, and it is expected that it will be dealt with in Sligo.