Key people set to be re-interviewed over Katy’s death

GARDAÍ investigating the death of model Katy French are expected to re-interview key people when they receive toxicological results early next week.

The results will tell investigators what was in the 24-year-old’s blood and confirm whether cocaine was in her system or not, as early tests indicated.

The results were expected this week, but are unlikely to arrive until next week.

Secondary tests will be carried out then, which will show the exact concentration of any substances in her blood and urine samples.

Gardaí are expected to wait until the second set of tests are carried out before deciding on whether to move on anyone suspected of supplying Ms French with cocaine or others suspected of withholding information.

Tests carried out at Our Lady’s Hospital in Navan on December 2, after Ms French was brought into A&E, are understood to have found cocaine in her system. She was in critical condition for five days, before the decision was made to turn off her life-support machine. Gardaí stressed at the time they did not know if cocaine caused her death, whether something else was to blame or whether there were factors, in combination with cocaine, at play.

Ms French was brought to hospital by businessman Kieron Ducie, after she became seriously ill at his home in Co Meath. She had arrived at his home, which he shares with his girlfriend, earlier that night.

A Garda investigation, based at Navan Garda Station, and involving the National Drugs Unit and the National Bureau of Criminal Investigation, has carried out extensive enquiries. A large number of people have been interviewed, including friends who were in contact with Ms French in the days preceding her death. Based on the test results, gardaí will go back to these individuals and ask them to clarify their statements. If some of these people fail to provide clarification it is likely arrests will follow.

Gardaí expect to be in a position to send their file to the Meath County Coroner before the end of this month. This will allow the coroner to open the inquest and adjourn it pending the completion of inquiries.

However, informed sources point out it will be extremely difficult for gardaí to bring charges against anyone for supplying Ms French with cocaine.

“Unless someone admits it, it will be very difficult. Even then, the person will have to say that ‘I believe what I gave her was cocaine’. He could say he did not know what it was.

“The next stage is to prove Ms French actually took this substance that he gave her. How do we know she took what he gave her? It will be very difficult.”