The former head of the Donegal division of the Garda Síochána has told the Morris tribunal that he disposed of his journals and diaries concerning events now being investigated after he was transferred from Donegal.
Chief Supt Denis Fitzpatrick told the tribunal that he had disposed of his diaries and journals covering his time in Donegal since he was an inspector when he left there.
"There was very skeleton material in my diary or my journal. I didn't see any relevance in keeping them," he said. "I didn't keep them. If I had them they would be useful I'm sure," he said. "I never thought that I would be giving evidence at a tribunal in relation to these matters. I thought it was over at that stage," he added.
Chief Supt Fitzpatrick said he could never in his career recall being asked to produce his journals or diaries. "I thought the issues were dealt with and finished." Chief Supt Fitzpatrick was being questioned by suspended Supt Kevin Lennon, who is representing himself.
"By such destruction you have put my justice at hazard," Supt Lennon said.
"I wouldn't agree with you on that," replied Chief Supt Fitzpatrick.
Questioned by Supt Lennon, Chief Supt Fitzpatrick said he had met Donegal solicitor Mr Paudge Dorrian on March 22nd, 1999.
Mr Dorrian had told him of allegations that Supt Lennon held back items from arms finds in Donegal and subsequently planted them elsewhere. The Five Fingers Strand and Manorcunningham finds were mentioned.
This was "a most serious slanderous allegation", Supt Lennon said. He said that at Five Fingers over 100 AK47s were found, and all were accounted for.
"I never connected you in any way with the Five Fingers find," Chief Supt Fitzpatrick said.
Chief Supt Fitzpatrick said he briefed Assistant Commissioner Kevin Carty on the allegations, and prepared a written report.
The senior garda has outlined the circumstances under which complaints by the estranged wife of a Donegal detective led to the investigation of allegations that two Donegal gardaí prepared bogus arms finds along with alleged informer Ms Adrienne McGlinchey during the early 1990s.