A woman who refused for six years to attend the inquest into the death of her husband has been ordered by the High Court to give evidence. Her husband, Mr Gerald Lee (31), was shot dead during his birthday party in Coolock, Co Dublin.
In his decision, Mr Justice Lavan said current legislation to deal with witnesses who refuse to give evidence at inquests was clearly inadequate. He noted the maximum fine for failure to attend is £5.
The judge said this was an exceptional case. The inquest had opened in 1996 and Ms Lee was called as a witness, having been present when he was fatally shot.
After attending the inquest hearing on one occasion, Ms Lee had since refused to comply with numerous summonses served on her and consequently the inquest could not be concluded.
Mr Justice Lavan said Ms Lee had not proffered a single reason - good, bad or indifferent - as to why she would not attend.
The matter was adjourned until this morning for the fixing of a specific date for Ms Lee's attendance.