Prisons inspector to probe suicide of GAA star killer

THE Inspector of Prisons is to investigate the suicide of killer Shane Rogers, who took his own life in a cell at Cloverhill Courthouse earlier this week.

Minister for Justice Alan Shatter confirmed he has asked the Inspector, Judge Michael Reilly, to carry out a full investigation under section 31 of the Prisons Act 2007 into the circumstances of Mr Rogers’ death.

The 32-year-old was found dead in a holding cell in Cloverhill Courthouse last Tuesday, after admitting killing Crossmaglen GAA star James Hughes following an argument over his ex-girlfriend. He had appeared at Cloverhill court earlier that day and had been on suicide watch.

Rogers had been taken from his prison cell and moved the short distance to the courthouse for his appearance when he was discovered dead.

It is understood he had only been placed in the cell at 12.30pm, was checked by members of the prison’s escort service at 12.45pm and found to be fine but managed to take his own life before the next check at 1pm.

Prison officers tried to resuscitate him but he was pronounced dead at Tallaght Hospital a short time later.

Mr Rogers’ parents, Seán and Margaret Rogers, had previously called for an inquiry saying it was necessary not only for their son but for the interests of all other vulnerable prisoners. They said their son was “deeply sorry” for what he had done.

“Our request for an inquiry is not intended to deflect from the pain and suffering being endured by the Hughes family and friends. The last thing we would want to do would be to deepen the Hughes family’s grief.”

“We are aware a Garda investigation and an internal prison investigation are being carried out but we consider a full independent inquiry should be established by the minister similar to those carried out by the Garda Ombudsman’s office.

“We wish to emphasise we feel that such an investigation is necessary, not only in the interests of Shane, but the interests of other prisoners who are vulnerable,” said a family statement.

Family solicitor Martin Crilly said the couple were particularly upset by the manner in which they learned of their son’s death, which was both through the media as well as locally.