The Garda investigation into the deaths of two members of the force is at an advanced stage, a coroner's court heard yesterday. The two were killed last month when a stolen vehicle crashed into their patrol car on the Stillorgan dual carriageway in Dublin.
Det Insp Martin Cummins, the officer leading the investigation, told the first day of inquests into the deaths of Garda Tony Tighe (53) and Garda Michael Padden (27) that a file on the case was "at an advanced stage of preparation".
He added that a number of charges had already been preferred and he asked Dublin city coroner Dr Brian Farrell to adjourn the inquests until criminal proceedings had concluded.
Dr Farrell said he would first hear evidence from those who identified the remains of both gardaí. Garda Colum Tighe, a son of the late Garda Tony Tighe from Clondalkin, said he identified the body of his father to Sgt Thomas Lundon of Dundrum station at St Vincent's Hospital on April 14th last, the day the gardaí were killed.
Mr Patrick Reilly, a cousin of the late Garda Michael Padden, told the court he identified the body of Garda Padden. Sgt Lundon said the remains of both gardaí were removed to the city morgue for post-mortem examinations. He identified their bodies to the State pathologist, Dr John Harbison.
Reading from Dr Harbison's report, Dr Farrell said he would give the cause of death in each case to enable death certificates be issued. He said the cause of Garda Tighe's death was a ruptured aorta, while Garda Padden died as a result of "transection of the brain stem" due to fracturing of the spine.
Addressing the families of the dead gardaí, Dr Farrell said: "I am and we are all painfully aware of the tragic circumstances of the deaths of Garda Tighe and Garda Padden. I understand they were acting in the course of their duty on the date in question but you will understand I can't comment on the circumstances this afternoon because criminal proceedings have commenced."
He said he would adjourn the inquests until after these proceedings had concluded but before doing so he wished to express his deepest condolences.
A 16-year-old boy has been charged with the manslaughter of the two gardaí, while a 15-year-old has been charged with allowing himself to be carried in the stolen sports car which struck the Garda car.