A CELLMATE of a Dublin man who died after being found unconscious in the prison section of the Bridewell Garda station told an inquest yesterday that the suspected car thief "fell over" once he arrived in their shared holding cell. He said Mr Kenneth Moore (23), of Plunkett Avenue, Finglas West, was not "touched or battered" by anybody in the Bridewell.
The former cellmate, Mr Anthony Kavanagh, of Blackhorse Grove, Dublin, added: "I didn't see anyone go near him. He fell over the minute he came into my cell and I didn't get a word from him all night.
"He was breathing funnily and snorting. I rolled him over on his side a couple of times. I kicked at the cell door for a few minutes to get the attention of a copper, as I thought he needed a doctor.
Mr Kavanagh was giving evidence in the Dublin Coroner's Court on the second day of the inquiry into the death of Mr Moore, who was found unconscious in the Bridewell and died two days later in Beaumont Hospital.
Mr Moore and his brother Mark, were taken to Finglas Garda station on May 22nd 1994, after being arrested in a stolen car at 3.30 a.m.
He was taken to the Bridewell at 5 a.m. to await an appearance before the Dublin District Court. But when gardai went to his cell, he was found unconscious and brought to the Mater Hospital.
Several Garda witnesses gave evidence yesterday of being unable to awaken Mr Moore in hid cell.
Garda Derek Duggan said Mr Moore was in a cell with two other prisoners. When he attempted to wake him he appeared to be in a deep sleep and "simply shrugged me off" with a grunt. He thought the prisoner didn't want to be disturbed and left his breakfast alongside him.
At 9.30 a.m. Garda Duggan, along with Garda Lynch, went to Mr Moore's cell to transfer prisoners to facilitate cleaners. He continued to sleep.
Garda Duggan said: "I gave Moore a slight shake to wake him. But he shrugged. He gave the impression that he just didn't want to be disturbed or co operate with us at all."
Garda Lynch told the prisoner he had to move, but as he continued to sleep both gardai decided to lift him by the arms.
Garda Duggan added: "He appeared to resist and tightened his arms. He was brought to cell six but pulled his arm away from us and seemed comfortable and we placed him lying on his back in the bunk."
During their three cell inspections, there were no reports or evidence of disturbance or rows among prisoners.
The inquest continues this morning.