Coroner invites McDowell queries

A CORONER yesterday said he would invite the Justice Minister to write to him regarding the admissibility of independent forensic experts at an inquest into the death of Terence Wheelock.

A hearing into the death of the 20-year-old heard Michael McDowell wrote to the family’s legal representatives querying the input independent experts can have at inquests.

The inquest heard Mr McDowell, who had previously indicated funding would be granted to the family for an independent forensic examination into the death, was questioning its admissibility before funding would be agreed.

Mr Wheelock, from Summerhill, Dublin, was found unconscious in a cell at Store Street Garda Station last June after apparently attempting to hang himself. He was brought to hospital but never regained consciousness and died on September 16, 2005.

His family has questioned the circumstances of his death and claims he was mistreated while in the cell.

Sean Gillane, counsel for the Wheelock family, asked if Coroner Dr Brian Farrell could provisionally indicate his views in relation to the admissibility of the independent forensic review.

Dr Farrell said he would invite the minister to write to the Coroner’s office with any queries over independent experts and he would reply. The inquest was adjourned until July 26.