Fatal shooting at Cherrywood Co Dublin on Sunday 20 May 2018 – update on Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission (GSOC) investigation

An investigation by GSOC into the circumstances surrounding the fatal shooting of a 40-year-old man at Cherrywood Business Park, Co Dublin on Sunday last is ongoing. Following the post mortem, and the issuing of the required notifications of the GSOC investigation to the relevant parties, GSOC can confirm the following:

• The incident was referred to GSOC under section 102 (1) of the Garda Síochána Act 2005 as amended (“the 2005 Act”) at 20.43 on Sunday 20 May. Section 102 (1) requires the Garda Commissioner to refer to GSOC “any matter that appears to the Garda Commissioner to indicate that the conduct of a member of the Garda Síochána may have resulted in the death of, or serious harm to, a person”.
• A team of GSOC investigators from Cork were at the scene from 23.50.
• A garda service weapon was recovered from the scene by GSOC. The remaining ammunition and one spent cartridge was located in the firearm. A Stanley knife was subsequently recovered from the vehicle, the Nissan Qashqai, which had been the subject of a garda alert in the preceding hours.
• A post mortem on Monday 21 May established that the man identified as Mark Hennessy had been shot in the shoulder, and that the bullet entered his torso causing fatal injuries. The deceased was in the driver’s seat at the time of the shooting.  Other wounds consistent with self-harming were noted on his body.
• GSOC investigators are in the process of collecting evidence including video footage of the incident. In particular GSOC is in possession of a recording from the ANPR camera of the Garda traffic car which was at the scene. CCTV recordings from premises in the vicinity have been provided to GSOC investigators.  Witnesses are being identified and contacted in the ordinary way.
• Following a preliminary examination of the incident under s. 91 of the 2005 Act, GSOC is now undertaking an investigation under s. 98 of the 2005 Act, , which is for incidents that appear to involve offences. Under the provisions of s. 98 of the 2005 Act GSOC investigations have, for the purposes of the investigation, all the powers, immunities and privileges and duties imposed on members of the Garda Síochána.
• GSOC has appointed a family liaison officer (FLO) to engage with the family of the deceased man.

Anyone with information which may be of assistance to the investigation is asked to contact GSOC at 1890 600 800 or info@gsoc.ie or DM @GardaOmbudsman.

As GSOC is conscious of the sensitivities of all parties concerned and as this is an ongoing investigation, GSOC will be making no further comment at this time.

-ENDS-

GSOC Communications & Research Unit