Crime « Thurles Information

Forensic Science Ireland (FSI) Publish Annual Report For 2023.

With the July 2023 completion of Forensic Science Ireland’s (FSI) long-awaited purpose-built facility, the 2023 report reflects on a landmark year for Forensic Science Ireland during which:-

Submissions to FSI increased by 5% overall compared to 2022.
FSI issued over 21,700 forensic reports.
FSI assisted in 171 body identification and Missing Person investigations.
11 missing persons were identified in 2023 with FSI’s assistance.
FSI identified Nitazene, a potent synthetic opioid, as responsible for a cluster of overdoses in heroin users in November 2023.
FSI progressed the introduction of an upgraded AFIS (Automated Fingerprint Identification System).
FSI progressed the introduction of a new system for automation of DNA processing data.
FSI secured accreditation to the ISO: 2017 17025 Quality Standard for several forensic services in the new building, including drugs testing, fingerprint mark enhancement and comparison, Documents & Handwriting, Blood Pattern Analysis and Damage assessment.

FSI’s new campus at Backweston Science Campus, Stacumny Lane, Celbridge. Co.Kildare (W23 FT2X) is a major investment in forensic services for the State, which play a crucial role in criminal investigations as well as DNA identification services for missing persons.

FSI has performed strongly in relation to its 2023 targets in spite of managing a complex transition to its new laboratory without any interruption to the provision of its important services.

FSI’s expertise and analysis of evidence helps to secure hundreds of convictions a year, in the most serious of criminal cases.

In line with legislative requirements, 10,691 DNA samples taken from individuals for the purposes of generating a DNA profile were destroyed in 2023. 6,590 profiles were removed from the National DNA Database in 2023. This is an indication that FSI is adhering to the important safeguards in place to protect the integrity of the DNA Database and the persons whose DNA data is recorded on it.

FSI will hosts the European Academy of Forensic Science (EAFS) in the Dublin Convention Centre in May 2025. EAFS is Europe’s biggest forensic science event, bringing together over 1,000 forensic science practitioners, stakeholders, and partners from across the forensic science community to showcase the depth and breadth of developments in forensic science. This is a great opportunity for FSI to showcase the range of talents and capabilities on the European stage and make EAFS 2025 a memorable event. It is significant that FSI’s hosting of EAFS in 2025 coincides with its 50-year anniversary.

The full Forensic Science Ireland (FSI) Annual Report For 2023 can be found HERE.

Encounter By Gardaí With Tipperary Murdered Pensioner For Ombudsman Referral.

Garda interactions prior to the death of Tipperary pensioner Mrs Josephine (Joan) Ray, on Sunday afternoon August 4th 2024, at St Joseph’s Park, Nenagh, North Co. Tipperary, is set to be referred to the Garda ombudsman.

Same decision comes after a series of investigations into the 89-year-old’s tragic murder.
Two arrests, (a male and a female), made over the past number of days, saw both released without charge in connection with her murder.

The murdered pensioner’s case raises significant public interest; bringing earlier actions taken by gardaí under scrutent, with regards to the actual circumstances surrounding her murder. It is expected that the ombudsman will review such interactions thus ensuring greater accountability and transparency.

Man & Woman Arrested Following Nenagh, Co. Tipperary Murder.

Two persons, both understood to be aged in their 50s, have been arrested in connection with the murder of Mrs Josephine ‘Josie’ Ray, (née O’Meara), St Joseph’s Park, Nenagh, North Co. Tipperary.

Mrs Ray, who was also affectionately known as Joan, was found murdered at her home in St Joseph’s Park, Nenagh on Sunday afternoon last.

Ms Ray’s funeral took place following Requiem Mass at St Mary of the Rosary Church, Church Road, Nenagh, Co. Tipperary today, where she was remembered as a “woman of remarkable presence” who was a “beacon” of the town.

This afternoon, Gardaí have confirmed that two people; a man and a woman, have since been arrested, as a result of Garda ongoing investigation.

Gardaí continue to investigate all the circumstances surrounding the murder of Mrs Ray and the people arrested remain detained, under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act 1984, and are being held at unnamed Garda stations in the southern region.

2023 Annual Report Of Office Of State Pathologist Published.

The Office of the State Pathologist provides a national, year-round forensic pathology service here in Ireland, offering independent expert advice on matters relating to forensic pathology and performing post mortem examinations in criminal, suspicious or unusual deaths.
State pathologists are often required to attend and give evidence in coronial, criminal or civil courts or sometimes to attend crime scenes.

The report notes the wide range of valuable work conducted by the Office throughout 2023, including 400 cases of which 48%, or 192, were State forensic cases.

Speaking on the team’s work in 2023, Professor Linda Mulligan said: “The Office of the State Pathologist collaborates with a huge number of stakeholders to ensure the highest standards of practice. In 2023, we reviewed our paper-based processes in line with the Department of Justice environmental policy and introduced paperless reporting to coroners. We also had important input into the development of the Human Tissue Act 2024, and we continue to work with the HSE, Faculty of Pathology, and the Department of Justice to support the reform of the coronial autopsy service.”

The team provides expert input to many boards and advisory groups, including the Autopsy Quality Improvement Committee, the HSE mortuary improvement programme, and the Faculty of Pathology RCPI.
2023 marked Professor Linda Mulligan’s third year as Chief State Pathologist.
The Office enjoyed a full team for most of the year, with a Chief State Pathologist, two State Pathologists, two Deputy State Pathologists (one of whom departed in November 2023), and a locum State pathologist based in Cork.

Reflecting on 2023, Professor Linda Mulligan said: “The support and governance offered by the Department of Justice have allowed us to continue to expand and strengthen the work that we do. We will keep striving towards the highest standards of practice in forensic pathology, with the ultimate aim of providing the best possible service to bereaved families and loved ones across Ireland, as well as the Coroners, An Garda Síochána and the Courts.”

As already stated: During 2023, 400 cases were dealt with by the Office of the state Pathologist (this figure was 417 in 2022, 327 in 2021, 345 in 2020, 335 in 2019 and 286 in 2018). Of these 192, or 48%, were state forensic cases.
Attendance at the scene of death was recorded in approximately 4% of cases. (This figure was 26 of 213 cases (12%) in 2022.)
The Office, at the direction of the Dublin District Coroner, carried out 161 adult non-suspicious post mortem examinations.
There were 36 cases of endoskeleton remains, 17 of which were documented as animal bones, 19 as human bones.

Note: The full 2023 Annual Report of the Office of the State Pathologist can be read HERE.

Garda Body Worn Cameras Launched In Limerick

Limerick is the second location to trial Body Worn Cameras following their introduction in Dublin in early June, which saw an overall positive reaction from the public, as to their necessary use.

Garda Commissioner Drew Harris, today launched the Body Worn Cameras proof of concept at Henry Street Garda station in Limerick city.
Limerick is the just the second of three pilot locations to test the use of Garda Body Worn Cameras (BWCs) before a national rollout.

The Garda Síochána (Recording Devices) Act 2023 was signed into law just last December. The Act provides for Body Worn Cameras, Garda CCTV, automatic number plate recognition, and Community CCTV.

An Garda Síochána is undertaking three phased introductions as part of its proof of concepts stage. Three vendors have been chosen with different BWCs to be deployed in each trial location. The cameras in use in the DMR and Limerick are from different manufacturers.

The pilot roll-out of BWCs will continue later this year in Waterford. When complete, the three-phased pilot will inform their introduction in Garda Stations nationwide.

Each BWC can record footage to its own internal encrypted storage, which will be uploaded when the Garda docks the camera in a Garda station. The camera footage is uploaded at the end of a shift so it can be used as evidence at court or is deleted after an agreed time, if it is not required as evidence.
All of the digital imagery collected by BWCs will be managed by a Digital Evidence Management System (DEMS).

Commissioner Harris also warned Garda members that they will face dismissal from the force, and potential criminal prosecution, if they are found to have shared or leaked footage of incidents captured on Garda BWCs.