DPP continues probe into Garda shooting of foiled post office raiders

THE Director of Public Prosecutions is examining a garda file over the deaths of two raiders shot by armed detectives during a post office robbery, a coroner’s court heard yesterday.

Colm Griffin, aged 33, and Eric Hopkins, aged 24, were shot on May 26, 2005 after detectives foiled a raid at the post office in Lusk, County Dublin.

Inspector Mick Connell from Dublin’s Store Street Station said inquiries were continuing over the shootings last May.

He said: “I’m requesting an adjournment for a period, approximately six months, under Section 25 (1) of the Act as inquiries are ongoing in this matter.”

John Byrne, a barrister for the Griffin and Hopkins family who attended the brief hearing, objected to the request for a six-month adjournment.

He told the Dublin City Coroner’s Court: “The family of Mr Griffin and Mr Hopkins are anxious that there should be some closure in these issues.”

Mr Byrne said the family’s solicitor had received a letter from the DPP stating a decision would be made as soon as possible.

Dublin City Coroner Dr Brian Farrell adjourned the inquest until May 3 next.

Mr Griffin, from Canon Lillis Avenue in Dublin died from gunshot injuries to the head and chest. Mr Hopkins, from Lower Rutland Street, Dublin, died of gunshot wounds to the chest. The inquest already heard one of the men died at the scene of the shooting, and the other in Beaumont Hospital.