Menu
20/03/2008
Coroner Slams Police As Inquest Adjourned
A coroner has hit out at police failings and has been forced to apologise to the deceased's family who attended court, describing it as "a complete waste of time".
He also heard that the mother of the dead man who was killed in a burnt-out car reveal that her son's death was actually confirmed through a Teletext news item - and not directly by the police.
Mary Edens - who has since criticised the lack of police co-operation - made the shock comment during the inquest into the death of her 25-year-old son Mark.
Mark Edens, from Ligoniel in Belfast, died from smoke inhalation and burns on May 8, 2006.
His body was recovered from a burnt-out red BMW in Cavehill Country Park.
The shock statement was followed by the case being adjourned because the police officer that could answer questions on the matter was not made available.
Northern Ireland Coroner John Leckey stopped the inquest when it emerged the officer who attended the court in Belfast did not have "any relevant information" into the case.
Investigating officer Sergeant Kevin Moore revealed he had only been asked to investigate road traffic offences and said he had been involved a number of weeks after the initial investigation had been carried out.
Mr Moore said the senior investigating officer Inspector David McCausland was now on secondment with the Irish gardaí.
Mr Leckey questioned why this information had not been shared with the Coroner's Office as Sergeant Moore's information was of limited value.
Ms Edens told the court the family felt the police had been un-cooperative since her son's death.
Ms Edens also said the family felt they were not kept adequately informed about any developments in the case.
Mr Leckey said he found it difficult to "be absolutely certain as to what happened" as conflicting pictures were painted.
Mr Leckey rescheduled the inquest for April 11.
(BMcC)
He also heard that the mother of the dead man who was killed in a burnt-out car reveal that her son's death was actually confirmed through a Teletext news item - and not directly by the police.
Mary Edens - who has since criticised the lack of police co-operation - made the shock comment during the inquest into the death of her 25-year-old son Mark.
Mark Edens, from Ligoniel in Belfast, died from smoke inhalation and burns on May 8, 2006.
His body was recovered from a burnt-out red BMW in Cavehill Country Park.
The shock statement was followed by the case being adjourned because the police officer that could answer questions on the matter was not made available.
Northern Ireland Coroner John Leckey stopped the inquest when it emerged the officer who attended the court in Belfast did not have "any relevant information" into the case.
Investigating officer Sergeant Kevin Moore revealed he had only been asked to investigate road traffic offences and said he had been involved a number of weeks after the initial investigation had been carried out.
Mr Moore said the senior investigating officer Inspector David McCausland was now on secondment with the Irish gardaí.
Mr Leckey questioned why this information had not been shared with the Coroner's Office as Sergeant Moore's information was of limited value.
Ms Edens told the court the family felt the police had been un-cooperative since her son's death.
Ms Edens also said the family felt they were not kept adequately informed about any developments in the case.
Mr Leckey said he found it difficult to "be absolutely certain as to what happened" as conflicting pictures were painted.
Mr Leckey rescheduled the inquest for April 11.
(BMcC)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
23 June 2016
Police Officers Disciplined For Failing To Tell Doctor About Woman's Head Injuries
Two police officers have been disciplined after they failed to let their colleagues and a police doctor know that a woman had sustained a head injury, a Police Ombudsman investigation has concluded. The woman died from bleeding to the brain on 24 February 2014, the day after she suffered the injury.
Police Officers Disciplined For Failing To Tell Doctor About Woman's Head Injuries
Two police officers have been disciplined after they failed to let their colleagues and a police doctor know that a woman had sustained a head injury, a Police Ombudsman investigation has concluded. The woman died from bleeding to the brain on 24 February 2014, the day after she suffered the injury.
30 September 2021
No Evidence Police Could Have Prevented 1992 IRA Murder Of Police Officer
The Police Ombudsman has found no evidence that police could have prevented an IRA mortar attack in Newry 1992 in which a police officer was killed and another received life-changing injuries. That is the key finding of a report from a Police Ombudsman investigation into complaints from the officers' families.
No Evidence Police Could Have Prevented 1992 IRA Murder Of Police Officer
The Police Ombudsman has found no evidence that police could have prevented an IRA mortar attack in Newry 1992 in which a police officer was killed and another received life-changing injuries. That is the key finding of a report from a Police Ombudsman investigation into complaints from the officers' families.
21 April 2016
Officer Disciplined For Failing To Properly Investigate Assault On Boy
A police officer has been disciplined after failing to properly investigate an allegation that a man annoyed by children playing football near his car, attacked a 12-year-old boy by kicking him on the hand.
Officer Disciplined For Failing To Properly Investigate Assault On Boy
A police officer has been disciplined after failing to properly investigate an allegation that a man annoyed by children playing football near his car, attacked a 12-year-old boy by kicking him on the hand.
06 August 2014
Police Vehicle Contracts Arrest - Man Released
A 54-year-old member of police staff who was arrested in County Antrim as part of ongoing investigations into the awarding of vehicle contracts has been released. The man was arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office and has been taken to a police station in Belfast for questioning.
Police Vehicle Contracts Arrest - Man Released
A 54-year-old member of police staff who was arrested in County Antrim as part of ongoing investigations into the awarding of vehicle contracts has been released. The man was arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office and has been taken to a police station in Belfast for questioning.
28 March 2007
House of Lords vote for ‘50/50’ police force
The House of Lords has renewed the 50/50 recruitment rule for the PSNI by a majority of 44. It puts into practice a recommendation made in 1999 by Lord Patten that the local police force should be split evenly between Catholics and Protestants. The result of the vote was 141 to 97.
House of Lords vote for ‘50/50’ police force
The House of Lords has renewed the 50/50 recruitment rule for the PSNI by a majority of 44. It puts into practice a recommendation made in 1999 by Lord Patten that the local police force should be split evenly between Catholics and Protestants. The result of the vote was 141 to 97.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:A windy night with gales in the north, showers die back to western parts from the evening, leaving much of the night dry with clear spells. Blustery showers spread east again towards morning. Gales ease somewhat by dawn Minimum temperature 2 °C.
