Irish actor Robert (Robbie) Doolin died from a heart problem brought on by a combination of cocaine and physical restraint following an altercation at South Great George's Street, Dublin, in August last year, an inquest jury heard yesterday.
The jury of four women and two men heard that Mr Doolin, of Clogher Road, Crumlin, had been drinking with a friend on August 20th last and became involved in an argument outside a cab firm on George's Street early on August 21st.
After Mr Doolin was sick outside the premises, the company's security man, Mr John O'Keeffe, refused to order a cab for him on the grounds that he might be sick again. Mr Doolin then began "shaping-up" to Mr O'Keeffe, the inquest heard.
Gardai witnessed a struggle outside the cab offices at that time, but Mr Doolin and the other man assured them there was no problem and the actor walked away. He was very intoxicated, the inquest was told.
He later drove his motorcycle back to the cab office, produced a "telescopic baton" and told the security man he would "kill him", Mr O'Keeffe said. He attempted to restrain him as Mr Doolin kicked out at him. Mr Doolin ended up face down on the footpath with Mr O'Keeffe lying on top of him, but not using his full weight. State pathologist Dr John Harbison told the Dublin City Coroner's Court that Mr Doolin died from myocardiac hypersensitivity resulting in cardiac arrest, due to cocaine sensitivity in circumstances of physical restraint.
He had in his system a level of 272mg alcohol per 100ml of blood, more than three times the legal limit for driving.
When the gardai arrived and handcuffed Mr Doolin, they turned him over and then realised he was not breathing. Mr Doolin was later pronounced dead at St James's hospital.
The jury returned a verdict of death by misadventure.
The inquest heard the Garda had sent a file to the Director of Public Prosecutions and the DPP directed that no prosecutions be taken.