Fiosrú sends file to DPP following death of man in Dublin

The Office of the Police Ombudsman, Fiosrú, has forwarded a file to the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) following an inquiry into the death of Paul Butler, 51, in Dublin. Mr Butler passed away after an incident involving gardaí near the Holiday Inn on O'Connell Street on August 15, 2025. Fiosrú concluded its independent investigation and has now submitted the file to prosecutors, awaiting further instructions.

The police oversight body reported that Mr Butler sustained head injuries during the encounter, which led to his hospitalization and subsequent death. Fiosrú opened the investigation at the request of An Garda Síochána, as mandated by the Policing, Security and Community Safety Act 2024. The inquiry included two separate witness appeals.

Fiosrú continues to communicate with Mr Butler's family, informing them of the file's submission to the DPP. A garda officer was initially taken into custody, questioned, and subsequently suspended following the incident. Both Fiosrú and the garda have been notified of the DPP's decision. Fiosrú refrains from making additional statements at this time, awaiting further direction from prosecutors. An Garda Síochána has been approached for comment.