Gardaí open murder investigation into death of Mountjoy Prison inmate

Gardaí and the Irish Prison Service are investigating the incident. Picture: Collins Dublin/Colin Keegan

Gardaí have begun a murder investigation following the fatal attack on an inmate at Mountjoy prison last week. 

The victim, Robert O'Connor, 34, from Sowdrop Walk in Darndale, Dublin, was attacked in his cell shortly after 6pm last Friday by a number of other prisoners.

He has subsequently taken to the Mater hospital in Dublin for treatment.

This morning, the Irish Prison Service (IPS) confirmed that he had died in hospital. 

It is understood prison officers acted immediately when the assault occurred. They were supported by other staff members. It is thought that the attack may have been ordered by a person outside the prison.

Robert O'Connor was treated in intensive care at the Mater Hospital for his injuries, where he was placed on a ventilator but he subsequently died. Picture: Leah Farrell / RollingNews.ie

The scene where the attack occurred was technically examined and an incident room was established at Mountjoy Garda Station. Investigations into the matter are ongoing.

The cell and outside landing area where the attack occurred was sealed off to facilitate a technical examination of the scene. CCTV footage in the prison was also viewed in order to give gardaí a more clear picture of what occurred.

Mr O'Connor had been jailed for six and a half years just two days earlier for firearms offences.

Death of inmates 'a very rare occurrence', says Irish Penal Reform Trust

In a statement to the Irish Examiner, it said: "The Irish Prison Service can confirm that the prisoner seriously injured in an incident in Mountjoy Prison on Friday 29th July 2022 has died."

Responding to the fatal incident, the executive director of the Irish Penal Reform Trust, Saoirse Brady has called for the more timely publication of reports into the deaths of prisoners in custody.

Under the present system, it can take years before such reports are published and she said this should be changed to ensure that lessons are learned and actions are taken.

This was a very rare occurrence in the Irish prison service, she said. When prisoners enter the system a risk and safety assessment was carried out where they were asked if they were aware of any threat against them.

In this case, the prisoner did not indicate any knowledge of a threat, she said.

Prisoners who fear they are at risk are placed in a protective custody system where they are in their cell for 19 hours a day.

Of the 575 prisoners in the protective system in April of this year, 563 were there at their own request, added Ms Brady.

The prison authorities do their best, she said, but it was important to ensure that protective custody did not become the de facto position.

Ms Brady said she would like to see a more timely system for the publication of reports into deaths in custody.

Under the current process, an investigation will be carried out and it was then up to the coroner to determine the cause of death.

Following that, a report would be completed which would go to the Minister for Justice who can then decide when or if it should be published.

In their statement, IPS added: "The Irish Prison Service wishes to extend our deepest sympathies to his family and friends at this time.

"The incident continues to be investigated by the Irish Prison Service and the Gardaí.

"In addition, all deaths in custody are subject to investigation by the Inspector of Prisons."