Dead man’s family may sue Spanish police
It is a year since Mr O'Callaghan died from head injuries sustained in an incident in a laneway while in the Canary Islands.
His family are upset about the way Spanish police handled the case and are now considering suing them for failing to properly investigate his death.
They also want the Department of Foreign Affairs to prioritise a request that the death of an Irish national in Spain be appropriately investigated.
Mr O'Callaghan's mother, Dr Maeve Pomeroy said during the Spanish prime minister's recent visit her son's death was not raised.
The 24-year-old, who managed a shop in Dublin's ILAC Centre, was apparently attacked on the first night of a week-long holiday with three friends in Playa de Ingles, Gran Canaria.was taken to hospital, but never recovered from his injuries and died two weeks later.
Dr Pomeroy said police failed to immediately cordon off the site where her son was found unconscious for forensic examination it was not examined until many hours later and his clothes were never requested for forensic examination.
The only tourists interviewed in the busy tourist area were his three friends.
"This is despite the fact that he was found lying in a lane between two large apartment blocks with about 100 balconies looking into it," she said.
He had become separated from his friends when he was killed and it is believed he was walking from the pub across the road back to the apartment block where he was staying. She said the police had given conflicting information about whether he was robbed.
The gardaí have been liasing with Spanish police.
