The inquest investigating the death of 27-year-old George Nkencho, who was killed by the gardaí in December 2020, has been put on hold. His relatives are searching for answers as to why the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) decided against pursuing charges in the case.
Following a short hearing on Tuesday, Dr Myra Cullinane, the Dublin District Coroner, agreed to postpone the inquest. She did so after the Nkencho family indicated their desire to challenge the DPP’s decision.
Preceding this was a completed investigation into the incident by the Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission, which finalised their findings on December 14, 2023, and presented them to the DPP. Towards the end of April, the DPP informed the family that there would be no additional actions taken.
Mr Nkencho was killed in the front yard of his family home in Clonee, Dublin 15, on December 30, 2020. He was involved in an argument while in possession of a knife and was shot multiple times by the Garda Armed Support Unit after he seemed to wield the weapon towards gardaí following an alleged attack at a shop in close proximity.
According to the Garda, the shooting occurred after an encounter during which Mr Nkencho was attempted to be subdued using Tasers and pepper spray. The deceased’s family claim he was struggling with mental health problems and have heavily criticised the degree of force utilised that day.
Gloria Nkencho, George’s sister, was in court as Stuart Deguid, the lead Gsoc investigator, informed the court that the DPP had 56 days to explain their reasons for their decision to the family.
Dr Cullinane pointed out that a further action could occur if the family decided to appeal the decision after reviewing the provided reasons. The inquest has been set to resume on October 4th.