{
  "id": 7805251,
  "title": "Fiosrú file on Dublin man's death with DPP, inquest told",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/16/fiosru-file-on-dublin-mans-death-with-dpp-inquest-told",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-09-16T14:47:38.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "RTE News",
    "slug": "rte-news",
    "url": "https://www.rte.ie/news/2026/0916/1591787-inquest-fiosru/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "An inquest has been postponed after criminal proceedings are being considered regarding the death of a Dublin man in 2025, following a confrontation with the police. Paul Butler, 51, from St Ignatius Road in Phibsborough, passed away at Mater Misericordiae University Hospital on August 18, 2025, due to injuries sustained three days prior in an incident on O'Connell Street. The post-mortem examination revealed that his death was caused by complications from a traumatic head injury. Initially, Mr. Butler was approached by Gardaí on O'Connell Street around 4:15 AM on August 15, 2025, suspected of being intoxicated. It is believed he suffered a head injury during this interaction. A Garda officer was questioned immediately after Mr. Butler's death but was later released without charges and suspended pending the outcome of the investigation. The case was referred to Fiosrú, previously known as the Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission, which is mandated to investigate any act or omission by an An Garda Síochána member that may have resulted in a person's death or serious harm. Fiosrú's investigator, Nicholas Harden, informed the inquest that their file on the case was complete and was awaiting a direction from the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP). Mr. Harden sought an adjournment under Section 25 (1) of the Coroners Act while awaiting the DPP's decision. The deceased's partner, Áine McGrath, testified that she was informed on August 15, 2025, by a Garda that Mr. Butler had sustained injuries and was hospitalized at Mater Hospital. She went to the hospital later that day, identified Mr. Butler as her partner, and was confirmed by Garda Conor Watters. The coroner, Clare Keane, granted the Fiosrú request and adjourned the inquest to March 16, 2027. Mr. Butler, originally from Drumcondra, is survived by his partner, Áine, his mother, Dympna, and ten siblings.",
  "summary": "An inquest has been adjourned after Fiosrú said criminal proceedings are being contemplated in relation to the death of a man in Dublin city centre last year, following an interaction with gardaí.",
  "key_points": [
    "Paul Butler, 51, died on August 18, 2025, from head injuries.",
    "Gardaí approached Butler on O Connell Street on August 15, 2025.",
    "Fiosrú file on Butler's death awaits DPP's decision."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}