Investigation into death of homeless man in garda custody

AN internal garda investigation swung into operation yesterday into the death of a man who spent time in garda custody.

The preliminary findings of yesterday’s post-mortem examination showed the man died from natural causes. The deceased, a 59-year-old homeless man, died when his health deteriorated after he was arrested and detained by gardaí in Waterford city.

No claims have been made that the man’s death was in any way connected to the actions, or lack of actions, of gardaí.

In a statement yesterday, the Garda Press Office said: “A garda superintendent from outside the garda division has been appointed to investigate all circumstances surrounding the death of the man.”

Gardaí pointed out that such inquiries are standard procedure when a person dies after spending time in garda custody.

“There is no suggestion that anything untoward happened in the way this man was arrested or detained by gardaí in Waterford, but the matter has to be investigated,” said one garda source.

As is standard, a senior garda from outside the area — in this case Supt Pat Clavin from Cahir station, Co Tipperary — has been appointed to conduct the inquiry. The deceased, who lived in a hostel in the city, was brought to the attention of gardaí at lunchtime on Saturday.

A member of the public had dialled 999 and alerted the emergency services to a man in distress on the main quays in Waterford city.

Gardaí and an ambulance crew arrived at the scene at around 1.30pm.

A garda spokesman said the man refused to get into the ambulance and they had little choice but to arrest him.

He was arrested under the Criminal Justice (Public Order) Act and brought to Waterford city station.

He was placed in a cell and, according to gardaí, checked every 15 minutes.

At 2.50pm, gardaí said they checked him again and he was found to have breathing difficulties.

First aid was given and an ambulance was called. The man was taken to Waterford Regional Hospital, where, at around 3.50pm, he was pronounced dead.

The State Pathologist Dr Marie Cassidy conducted the post-mortem exam.

Supt Clavin will speak to all the gardaí who had any contact with the deceased as part of the internal inquiry.