Draft report on George Nkencho's killing compiled by GSOC

A draft report on the killing of George Nkencho by gardaí in west Dublin has been compiled by Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission's investigators.

A brief sitting of Dublin District Coroner’s Court on Thursday heard an update on the progress of the investigation by GSOC into the death of the 27-year-old Blanchardstown native, who was fatally shot by members of the Garda Armed Support Unit.

The incident took place outside his family home at Manorfields Drive, Clonee, Co. Dublin, on December 30th, 2020.

He had allegedly assaulted a shop worker in a nearby supermarket, with Gardai called during that incident. It continued through a housing estate and towards the Nkencho family home during which gardai said pepper spray and Tasers were deployed in a bid to subdue him.

George Nkencho, who had no previous criminal convictions, was armed with a kitchen knife at the time and had reportedly been suffering from mental health issues in the preceding months.

It should be noted that similar incidents in Ireland have rarely, if ever, resulted in a fatality in an attempt to subdue someone.

Family members say post-mortem results given to them show that he was shot six times. His siblings, including Gloria, were just feet away in the house's hallway, which still bears bullet damage.

Gloria Nkencho said they attempted to defuse the confrontation, but were ushered back inside the house moments before the shooting.

George's sister is taking high court proceedings against the Garda Commissioner, the Attorney General, the Minister for Justice and the State arising from his death

Other members of the Nkencho family have also taken legal action against the State, and called on the Justice Minister to support an independent inquiry.

“We see the bullet holes on the door by our window. This shouldn’t have happened, he didn’t deserve to die. He needed help, not bullets,” Gloria said in June.

Last week, Minister for Justice Heather Humphreys (standing in for Helen McEntee TD) came under criticism in the Dáil for the length of time the investigation has continued, but she confirmed it was nearing an end.

Responding to Gino Kenny last Tuesday, she said:

“I am advised the investigation is at an advanced stage and its findings will be made publicly available when other statutory processes permit. I can confirm that I have not seen a report. It is at a final stage. The process is nearing an end.”

It’s almost two years since the fatal shooting of George Nkencho by a member of an garda siochana. His family have waited patiently for the report from GSOC and yet it still has not come.

Today I questioned the Minister and called once more for an independent investigation. pic.twitter.com/lxGOk3e3Ba

— Gino Kenny TD (@Ginosocialist) December 7, 2022