Ireland

Gardai who shot dead George Nkencho will not be prosecuted – DPP

George Nkencho died outside his home in 2020, after being shot by members of a Garda armed support unit while allegedly brandishing a knife.

A candlelit vigil was held outside Blanchardstown Garda station after the death of George Nkencho
A candlelit vigil was held outside Blanchardstown Garda station after the death of George Nkencho (Brian Lawless/PA)
By Cate McCurry, PA

Gardai who were involved in the fatal shooting of a man outside his home in Dublin will not be prosecuted, the director of public prosecutions (DPP) has directed.

George Nkencho, 27, died outside his home in December 2020, after being shot multiple times by members of a Garda armed support unit while allegedly brandishing a knife.

He was suffering from mental health issues at the time.

Mr Nkencho’s death was the subject of an investigation by the Garda Siochana Ombudsman Commission (GSOC).

The incident was the subject of an independent criminal investigation by GSOC, which concluded in June 2023 with the submission by GSOC of an investigative file to the DPP.

Friends of George Nkencho protested outside Blanchardstown Garda station, Dublin
Friends of George Nkencho protested outside Blanchardstown Garda station, Dublin (Niall Carson/PA)

The Garda Ombudsman said on Wednesday it had been notified by the DPP of its decision not to direct a prosecution in the case.

GSOC said it has notified interested parties in the case, including the Nkencho family and the Garda members involved.

GSOC said it notified the Nkencho family of their entitlement under the Criminal Justice Act to a summary of reasons from the DPP for its decision not to prosecute, as well as their statutory entitlement to request a review of the decision.

“While GSOC can make no further comment at this time, it will continue to engage with the Nkencho family in the context of coronial proceedings and any other statutory processes that may arise,” they said in a statement.

“GSOC further reiterates its undertaking to make the substantive detail of its investigation publicly available as and when other statutory processes permit it to do so.”

A statement issued by the Nkencho family solicitor, Phelim O’Neill, said: “The Nkencho family are disappointed with the decision of the Director of Public Prosecutions not to prosecute members of An Garda Siochana involved in the shooting dead of their son and brother George.

“The family intend to appeal this decision and in the circumstances will not be making any further statements until this process has been concluded.”

In a statement, a Garda spokesman said: “An Garda Siochana notes the decision of the DPP.

“Commissioner Harris reiterates today his and the organisation’s sympathy with the family of George Nkencho.

“An Garda Siochana will await further information from GSOC on its next steps before commenting further.”