DPP rules on Lithuanian death

THE Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) has directed that more serious charges be brought in the case of a Lithuanian man who died following an assault in Cork last year.

The decision emerged yesterday when an inquest into the death of Gintaras Balcionas, who died last October, was adjourned at Cork Coroner’s Court.

Coroner Myra Cullinane adjourned the inquest under Section 10 of the Coroners Act until criminal proceedings have been completed.

The body of Mr Balcionas, a 38-year-old father of one, was found in the garden of his home at 1 Rockgrove Terrace on the Lower Glanmire Road, Cork, at around 5pm on October 9, 2005, by gardaí who were called to the scene.

He had injuries to his head and upper body.

Fellow Lithuanian, Raimundas Berzinskas, aged 32, with an address at St Finbarr’s Place, Proby’s Quay, Cork, was subsequently arrested and later charged with assault causing harm.

The carpenter was remanded in custody with consent to bail on the assault charge last November.