Coroner in Stardust inquests never suggested unlawful killing verdict could be returned

Former Stardust manager Eamon Butterly is seeking to prevent him being made "a target for a verdict of unlawful killing" from the inquests.

(Left to right) Martina Hand, Antoinette Keegan and Pauline Braymer holding photos of Stardust victims Martina and Mary Keegan at the Coroners Court inquest into the Stardust tragedy in the RDS, Dublin, in February. The families of the victims oppose Mr Butterly's challenge. Photo: Gareth Chaney/ Collins Photos

The coroner in the new inquests into the deaths of 48 people in the Stardust Ballroom fire 41 years ago has never suggested a verdict of unlawful killing should or could be returned, the High Court has heard.

Myra Cullinane, the Dublin District Coroner, will simply be investigating the facts surrounding the deaths and it is open to her to return a range of verdicts, including unlawful killing, her counsel Simon Mills SC told the court on Wednesday.