Family of man who died in Cork prison take action for damages

Cork Coroner’s Court called for an independent review of all medical care in Cork Prison following the death of 29-year-old Andrew Gearns

Andrew Gearns' brother Evan, mother Aideen, and sister Jemma Gearns at the inquest into his death in 2023, at Cork Courthouse, Washington Street, Cork. Picture: Larry Cummins

The family of a father-of-two who died in Cork Prison have filled a case in the High Court for damages following his death.

Andrew Gearns, aged 29, died in October 2020 by suicide. His inquest in 2023 heard that he had been in serious mental distress in Cork Prison before his death, suffering delusions about being stabbed and calling out for his mother. He had some six risk factors for suicide but he was seen by prison medical staff for less than five minutes on the day of his fatal attempt on his own life.