Friends didn’t realise extent of man’s injuries

FRIENDS of a Lithuanian man who fell down stairs during a heavy-drinking session and died days later did not realise the full extent of his injuries, an inquest heard yesterday.

Romaldus Vaukus, aged 56, who was living at 9, The Rise, Tullow, Co Carlow, died on November 25, 2004, from head injuries he sustained after falling down a flight of stairs at around 4am, four days earlier, while at a party with other Lithuanians at 98 Burn Manor, Carlow.

Cork Coroner’s Court heard that others at the party, who had been drinking heavily since tea-time on the night, thought Mr Vaukus was alright after the fall.