Inquest opens into Seamus Doherty death

CORONER Dr Denis McCauley this week opened and adjourned the inquest into the late Seamus Doherty of Drumnacoo, Churchill whose death at his home in June, 2012 became a murder investigation.

Dr McCauley explained to Mr Doherty’s daughter, Catriona, her legal representative Barrister Garret McGrory BL and to Garda Inspector David Kelly and Barrister for the Garda Commissioner Miriam Reilly SC he wanted to run the inquest as effectively as possible.

“I want to hear from all interested parties. I will not run the inquest until I am sure we have everything and don’t start with an objection,” Dr McCauley said.

He added that an inquest was only about finding out the facts of death – witnesses to the events on the night: Gardai who attended on the night: Garda decision makers on the night: Investigating Gardai: Evidence of ID: Pronouncement of death and forensic evidence of death.

Mr McGrory informed the Coroner the family wanted Samuel James Clarke called as a witness.
The Coroner went through the list of proposed witnesses: Taxi driver Steven McDaid, Anne Doherty, Samuel Clarke, Martina Spokes, the late John McArt. Garda witnesses listed were Garda Danny Costello, Sgt Bosco Gillespie, Superintendent Michael Finan, Garda Sean McLaughlin, Scenes of Crime Officer. Others listed are Dr Vorga from NowDoc and State Pathologist Dr Marie Cassidy.

Mr McGrory said he would require disclosure from GSOC of a C71 form, “a form the family are most anxious to obtain” and “have already requested”. He also requested the statement made by the late John McArt.
The inquest was adjourned until November 21.

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