A jury at an inquest into the death of Robert Garrett of St Kieran’s Place in Johnstown, Co Kilkenny has found that Mr Garrett died from shock due to haemorrhage injuries consistent with a fall.
Mr Garrett (42 ) was discovered in his home with injuries to this face and body on August 14 last by his sister and his neighbour Pauline Beehan.
Ms Beehan was called as a witness at the inquest and she told the court that she became suspicious when she noticed the blinds were un-opened that morning in Mr Garrett’s house.
She said that she went into town where she met with Robert’s sister.
“I met Gladys and we decided to go and check on Robert’s house. When Gladys went around the back of the house she saw Robert inside lying on the floor. He mumbled something and we went away as this was normal for Robert.”
“We returned with his other sister at about half past two and when we looked in - he looked dead. We called the priest and the Gardai,” she concluded.
Dr Robert Taite also took to the witness stand and he said that there was a 15cm laceration on Mr Garrett’s forehead and there were also marks on his nose, trunk and limbs.
“There was no alcohol present in Mr Garrett’s system. There was a large amount of bleeding in his abdomen as a result of a ruptured aorta artery. Death was due to shock as a result of haemorrhaging injuries consistent with a fall,” he said.
Members of Mr Garrett’s family were in court to hear the verdict agreed by the jury and they were satisfied to hear that there was no alcohol present in Mr Garrett’s system when he died.
