A man at the centre of the inquiry into corruption of some Donegal gardaí has told the Morris tribunal he was subjected to "trial by media", and was being made a scapegoat for the problems of An Garda Síochána in the county.
William Doherty also said he had been prevented from cross-examining witnesses because he was in prison. "I haven't been allowed to exercise my constitutional rights," he told tribunal chairman Mr Justice Frederick Morris. However, the chairman said the tribunal had not prevented Mr Doherty from appearing to represent himself, although he had no control over what the prison authorities did.
Mr Doherty said he had received correspondence from the tribunal last week, "and one of the letters stated that you felt that you didn't need me here".
"Perhaps that's so," said the chairman. "I don't need you, but if you want to come, you're welcome."
Mr Doherty said he was a scapegoat for the faults of the gardaí. He said allegations that information contained in C77 forms by former Raphoe garda John O'Dowd did not come from him. He had never given any information on subversive activities to the gardaí. "The media has branded me as an informant."
"The gardaí in Donegal destroyed my reputation in Donegal. They destroyed my reputation everywhere.
"I feel very bitter abut it. People can make allegations against me and nothing happens, but if I do something, I just think the law is very unjust." Mr Doherty said he never received any money from gardaí. "It has come to my attention that a Garda informant is supposed to sign for money that he got.
"I would ask this tribunal to show me my signature on any form, because it isn't there."
The chairman said there was no statement before the tribunal that Mr Doherty was paid money for information. Mr Doherty asked him to examine the accounts of Mr O'Dowd for the period in question.
Mr Doherty said he had over 20 convictions. "Does that sound like a man who is getting favours from the guards?" he asked.
The tribunal has now adjourned, and plans to resume in June with hearings into the next module, dealing with the treatment of members of the McBrearty family while in Garda custody. An interim report on the death of cattle dealer Richie Barron should be delivered to the Minister at the same time.