Watchdog criticises Mountjoy death probe

THE appointment of a former Justice Department official to investigate last week’s murder of Gary Douch in Mountjoy Prison has been criticised by the Inspector of Prisons, Mr Justice Dermot Kinlen.

He feels the investigation will not be sufficiently independent as a result of Justice Minister Michael McDowell appointing Michael Mellett to probe the killing.

Mr Mellett is a former deputy secretary of the department.