Inquest returns unlawful killing verdict

An inquest in Cork has heard how the chief suspect in a fatal stabbing was found dead after taking drugs.

Alan Field had admitted to gardaí that he had stabbed Eddie Gallagher in February 2009 during an argument over a drug debt owed by a third party.

Mr Gallagher, who was 27 years old, died from a single knife wound that pierced his heart.

The inquest into his death today recorded a verdict of unlawful killing.

Cork City Coroner's Court heard that four months after being charged with assault, Alan Field was found dead with traces of heroin, cocaine and diazepam in his system.