Report delay ‘frustrates’ Rossiter family

THE family of a 14-year-old boy who died after spending a night in Garda custody said yesterday they are still no closer to getting answers, despite an inquiry into his death concluding hearings a year ago.

A civil action for wrongful death taken by the boy’s parents against the state and the Garda Síochána as well as the inquest into his death have both been delayed as a result of the inquiry work.

Brian Rossiter died in Cork University Hospital on September 13, 2002, three days after being found in a coma at Clonmel Garda Station. He had been arrested after a public order incident on September 9.

An inquiry led by senior counsel Hugh Hartnett finished oral hearings in September 2006 and a report was expected by the Rossiter family before the year’s end. However, Brian’s father Pat Rossiter said yesterday they were “still waiting, month after month”, with the report believed to be at proof-reading stage.

“We’re not getting straight answers,” he said.

The inquiry was set up to look into alleged suspicious circumstances surrounding Brian’s death. Mr Rossiter said that, with Brian’s fifth anniversary approaching tomorrow, the family are “frustrated and disappointed” the report has not been released: “It’s very sombre at home... Five years on and we’re no closer. From a human point of view, I think a bit of direct contact with the inquiry office wouldn’t have went astray.”

A Department of Justice spokesperson said yesterday it hadn’t yet been presented with Mr Hartnett’s report. “We don’t have a date.”

The inquest has been adjourned by the Cork city coroner until October 11.