This article is from page 3 of the 2006-05-23 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 3 JPG
AN INTERNAL Garda enquiry has been set up to examine the initial Garda investigation into the death of Gary Cotter in west Clare two years ago.
Mr Cotter (20), of Henry Street, Kilrush, was a front seat passenger in a car, which crashed at Moyasta, Kilrush, on April 11, 2004. The driver of the car, Mark O’Gorman, was found not guilty by a jury, of dangerous driving causing death, at Ennis Circuit Court last week.
Mr Cotter’s family say that many questions remain unanswered, arising out of the investigation into the death.
The Cotter family is unhappy with the way the investigation into Gary’s death was handled and have made a complaint to the Justice Minister Michael McDowell, outlining their concerns. This was forwarded to the Garda authorities and prompted a Garda investigation to be set up.
Clare Chief Superintendent Liam Quinn confirmed that a Roscommon-based superintendent had been appointed to conduct the enquiry and that he would report directly to Assistant Garda Commissioner Gerry Kelly.
“A senior Garda Officer has been appointed, at my request, to review all aspects of the Garda investigation into a road traffic accident at Moyasta on April 11, 2004, which resulted in the death of Gareth Cotter from Kilrush,” said Chief Supt Quinn.
The Clare People has learnt that the appointment was made last week, following consultations between solicitors for the Cotter family and Garda representatives. The officer in charge of the enquiry will liaise with the Cotter family.
“The officer will be reporting in the medium term. The investigation is independent of the Clare division and will report to Assistant Commissioner Gerry Kelly,” added the chief superintendent.
“The family have questions they want to answer and I think this is the way to do it,” he said.
In a statement released to The Clare People yesterday (Monday), the dead man’s parents Seán and Mary said, “This trial process regardless of the outcome, was never going to change anything for us, as we still have to deal on a day-to-day basis with the loss of our son Gareth (Gary).”
The Cotter family, including Gary’s siblings Owen (28), Eimear (25) and Eric (19), is hopeful that the investigation will “allay concerns and serious issues raised in relation to the manner in which the gardaí conducted the entire investigation into the death of our son.”