The investigation into the death of a man found unconscious while in Garda custody in Tralee in June has not yet concluded, the Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission (GSOC) has confirmed.
Dariusz Dobron (42), a married man from Poland, was found unconscious in his cell at Tralee Garda station at lunchtime on June 16th last. He had been arrested in the early hours in connection with an alleged incident.
He was working in the construction industry in Cork, but lived in Tralee. His wife and children live in Poland.
As of yesterday, some 151 investigations, on foot of complaints by the public against gardaí as well as referrals by the Garda Commissioner, are being conducted by the GSOC investigation teams, a spokesman said.
The investigation into the death of the man in custody in Tralee is the first inquiry of its kind since the establishment of the commission last May.
Mr Dobron had been given a change of clothes shortly after his arrest and had consulted with his solicitor.
However, at about 2pm when gardaí went to check on him, he was found with a ligature around his neck.
Death was pronounced at Kerry General Hospital.
Originally two separate investigations were taking place. Supt Frank O'Brien, of Roxboro Garda station, Limerick, was leading an investigation into the death on behalf of the Garda Commissioner.
This Garda investigation has now been withdrawn following agreed protocols with the GSOC.
It is understood the Tralee solicitor for Mr Dobron, Patrick Mann, has been refused permission by the commission to obtain a copy of the videotaped interview conducted by gardaí with the dead man in custody shortly after his arrest.
Usually three copies of videotapes of interviews are made, one for the accused, one for the investigation and one sealed copy for any court case. Mr Mann is insisting he is entitled to a copy of the videotape.
At the end of an investigation, the GSOC may send a file to the DPP recommending prosecution, or a file may be sent to the Garda Commissioner recommending disciplinary action against a garda, or the commission may decide no action is necessary.