The outcome of a review by the DPP on the decision that no garda should face prosecution over the fatal shooting of George Nkencho at his home in Dublin four years ago is still awaited, an inquest has heard.
Coroner Myra Cullinane was informed at a brief sitting of Dublin District Coroner’s Court that the family of Mr Nkencho has still not received a response to its request for a review of the DPP’s decision.
Mr Nkencho (27) suffered fatal gunshot wounds during an incident involving members of the Garda Armed Support Unit outside his family home at Manorfields Drive, Clonee, Co Dublin on December 30, 2020.
The coroner noted that the DPP had issued a decision on April 24, 2024, on receipt of a file by the Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission that there would be no related prosecution in the case.
Morgan Shelley BL, counsel for the family of Mr Nkencho, said they had asked the DPP for reasons on May 15. Mr Shelley said a summary of the reasons was provided on July 23.
The family then formally requested a review of the decision not to prosecute on August 19. The inquest heard that such a process normally takes around eight weeks.
Mr Shelley said he had contacted the DPP on September 25 for an update and was informed the following day again about the time period involved.
He agreed with Dr Cullinane’s observation that an eight-week period was a target rather than “an obligation”. He promised to inform the coroner of any update about the outcome of the review by the DPP.
Dr Cullinane adjourned the inquest to April 4, 2025, with the observation that she could not proceed with the inquest until the DPP had completed her review.
The coroner did not accede to a request by counsel, Marc Thompson BL, for GSOC to be legally represented at the inquest.
The fatal shooting of Mr Nkencho outside his home in west Dublin occurred after a stand-off developed between gardaí and the deceased who was armed with a kitchen knife.
The tense situation arose shortly after Mr Nkencho had been involved in an incident at a local Eurospar store where he assaulted a shop assistant. The young man, whose family come originally from Nigeria, was pronounced dead a short time later at Connolly Hospital Blanchardstown.
Post-mortem results revealed he died as a result of multiple gunshot wounds to the torso.
His family claim he was suffering from mental health issues for several months before his death and that the level of force used against him by gardaí was disproportionate.
