A man who was arrested on suspicion that he was drunk in public a short time after being thrown out of St James's Hospital, Dublin, died in his cell at Kilmainham Garda station, Dublin City Coroner's Court heard yesterday. Mr Peter Williams (33), originally from Ballymortin, Littleton, Thurles, was pronounced dead on admission to St James's Hospital early last September 8th.
A post-mortem examination by the State Pathologist, Prof John Harbison, showed he died of an overdose of Phenobarbitone, prescribed to control his epilepsy. A toxicology report showed there was no alcohol in his blood or urine. Prof Harbison said the drug could "mimic" the effects of alcohol.
The inquest was told that Mr Williams, who appeared to have been living rough in Dublin, was admitted to the casualty room at St James's Hospital about 12.45 p.m. on September 7th. He was semiconscious but could be roused. He slipped into unconsciousness and was put on a drip and oxygen.
According to a deposition from Dr Patrick Plunkett, Mr Williams later discharged himself from the hospital against medical advice. But two members of the security staff said they were told to escort him from the hospital after he became disorderly in the casualty unit.
Dr Plunkett was on his way to give evidence at the inquest but was called back to the hospital by an emergency.
Mr Niall White, a security man, said he left Mr Williams at the rear entrance to the hospital between 7.30 p.m. and 8 p.m. Garda Niall McDermott said he was called to the South Circular Road about 8.45 p.m. and saw Mr Williams stagger on to the road. He was unable to stand unaided, and there was a strong smell of alcohol from him.
He arrested him for being drunk in public and took him to Kilmainham Garda station. At the station an empty pill container was found in his jacket pocket.
Sgt Patrick Brady said he came on duty at 10 p.m. and decided Mr Williams was "not very drunk." He felt it was best to let him sleep in the cell and release him at first light. About 3.20 a.m. he was alerted that something was wrong with Mr Williams and an ambulance was called.
Dr Plunkett arrived at the Coroner's Court in the afternoon to give oral evidence, but Mr Williams's family sought an adjournment to obtain legal advice, and the inquest was adjourned by the Coroner, Dr Brian Farrell, to April 27th.