THE father of a youth who was strangled following a row over a £5 drug debt told an inquest yesterday that some of those involved in his killing were "walking free."
Two Dublin men were convicted of the manslaughter of Mr John Neanor (19) at Dublin Central Criminal Court earlier this year.
However, the victim's father, Mr John Neanor, told Dublin City Coroner's Court: "The jury at the Central Criminal Court did not hear half of what happened. There are people walking free who did this to my son."
A jury of nine men at the inquest recorded a verdict of manslaughter, in accordance with the sentence of the Criminal Court.
Mr John Neanor (19), with an address at Prospect Terrace, Old Kilmainham, was found dead in a bath at a flat at Drumalee Court, North Circular Road, at 9.20 a.m. on February 2nd, 1995.
He was pronounced dead at 12.20 p.m. by a police doctor.
He had been strangled with a black belt and a flex before having his head immersed in a bath filled with water, the trial heard. His hands were tied behind his back.
Joseph Myles (21), of Buttercup Park, Darndale, and Francis Dargle (21), of Donoghmede Crescent, Tallaght, were convicted of his manslaughter in May 1996 and sentenced to 10 years in prison.
However, the Court of Criminal Appeal reduced their sentences last March.
Det Sgt Tony Whelan, of the Bridewell Garda station, told the inquest Mrs Anne Neanor had identified the body of her son to him at Drumalee Court on February 2nd.
He in turn identified the body to Prof John Harbison at the city morgue, Store Street.
Professor Harbison conducted a postmortem examination on February 3rd, 1995. He concluded Mr Neanor had died from asphyxia due to strangulation.
The marks which he found on the neck indicated he was strangled by a ligature.
Dr Farrell expressed his deep condolences to the Neanor family and said: "I only hope and pray that in the fullness of time you may be able to come to terms with the circumstances of your son's death."