Gardaí cleared after man dies in custody in Cork

Gardaí have been cleared of any wrongdoing following the death of a man after his arrest in Cork just over three years ago.

Cork City coroner’s court has been told no criminal charges are being brought, and no disciplinary proceedings have been recommended against any garda after an independent investigation into how the force dealt with Kevin Meehan, 39, in the hours before his death.

Mr Meehan, from Mayfield, on the northside of the city, died in the Mercy University Hospital in Cork on December 20, 2011, after falling ill following his arrest.

A previously adjourned inquest heard he died from cardiac arrest due to excited delirium syndrome following restraint.

The death was reported to the Garda watchdog, the Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission (GSOC), for investigation.

GSOC officer Richard Gomm told Cork City coroner Myra Cullinane, in recent days, that their probe into the case is now closed.

He said a file on the case was sent to the Director of Public Prosecutions, which directed that no criminal charges be brought.

He also confirmed that no disciplinary proceedings against any garda member are planned.

This clears the way for a full inquest to take place into all the circumstances surrounding Mr Meehan’s death.

Mr Gomm said GSOC is now ready to assist the coroner in the conducting of her inquiry.

Dr Cullinane has set aside a day in June to hear the inquest in full.