PSNI ‘have blackened my name’ – disco hotel owner
THE owner of the Co. Tyrone hotel where three teens died in a crush has accused the PSNI of ‘blackening his name’ after he was arrested but swiftly cleared on suspicion of possessing drugs.
Michael McElhatton, 52, owns the Greenvale Hotel in Cookstown where the teens died when a large crowd surged to get into a St Patrick’s Day disco.
He was detained on Tuesday for questioning about the disaster. He was further arrested on suspicion of possession of Class A drugs with intent to supply but fast-track forensic analysis swiftly ruled out the possibility, and he was subsequently ‘de-arrested’, according to police.
A ‘de-arrest’ means that a police officer who had reasonable cause to suspect an offence and made the arrest now does not believe there’s an offence.
Mr McElhatton said: ‘I am shocked and horrified that the powdery substance taken by police from the laundry in my house could be drugs. Despite there being no basis to these suspicions, they have blackened my name and caused so much upset for so many people especially those who are grieving and distressed over the events at the Greenvale Hotel.
‘While I wished to respect the ongoing investigation by the police into the tragic deaths of the three young people at the Greenvale Hotel... I have no choice but to make it completely clear that I have nothing whatsoever to do with drugs. I can assure everyone that whatever any suspicions the police have raised about me in relation to anything to do with drugs is totally without any basis.’
Students Lauren Bullock, 17, Connor Currie, 16, and Morgan Barnard, 17, all from nearby Dungannon in Co. Tyrone, died.
The Police Service of Northern Ireland moved to defend its actions, saying the arrest and further media communication had been in line with procedure. Assistant Chief Constable Mark Hamilton said: ‘As a consequence of the arrest of a person on suspicion of manslaughter, a search was carried out at the home of the suspect. The search discovered a medium-size clear polythene bag containing an amount of a white powdery substance and pieces of tin foil. This discovery led to the suspicion that the substance was a Class A drug. In line with normal procedure, the suspect was arrested on suspicion of possession of a Class A drug with intent to supply.
‘This arrest was communicated to the media in line with procedure. Given the gravity of the investigation, the examination of the bag was carried out urgently.
‘Once opened by the Forensic Science Agency for Northern Ireland, the substance inside the bag was ascertained to be an innocent substance.
‘The suspect was then dearrested in respect of the drugs offence and a communication made to the media.’
The other suspect arrested on Tuesday on suspicion of manslaughter is a member of the popular nightspot’s door staff. Hundreds of mourners have left written and floral tributes to the three teenagers. Yesterday, DUP leader Arlene Foster signed a book of condolence in Cookstown.
She said: ‘I cannot begin to comprehend the pain and anguish the families of Lauren, Connor and Morgan are going through at this time.
‘As a mother of two teenagers this is the news no parent should ever receive, particularly as young people go out for an evening of enjoyment.’
The funerals of the three teenagers will take place tomorrow. Morgan’s funeral Mass will take place at St Patrick’s Church in Dungannon at 10am. He will be buried in Carland Road cemetery.
Lauren will be laid to rest after a funeral in St Patrick’s Church in Donaghmore at 11am, with her interment in the adjoining cemetery. Meanwhile, Connor’s funeral will take place at 2pm at St Malachy’s Church in Edendork and his burial takes place in the adjoining cemetery.
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