THE mother of a young woman who was found dead from head injuries pleaded with the Dublin coroner to tell her why her daughter’s “killers” are still walking the streets.

Bridget O’Brien was speaking at the opening of the inquest into the death of Bernadette Cash who was found dead at her home at Warrenstown Walk, Mulhuddart, Dublin 15 on October 31 last year.

The 20-year-old mother of one, who was a member of the Travelling community, was discovered by paramedics at the house in mid-morning. She had been dead for several hours. Gardaí believe that she may have been attacked during a party.

Seeking an adjournment of the inquest, Detective Inspector Colm Murphy of Finglas Garda Station confirmed that the death is the subject of a criminal investigation and inquiries are ongoing.

Giving evidence, Mrs O’Brien said that she identified the body of her daughter at Connolly Hospital in Blanchardstown to Garda Martina Drew. She told the court that the house where the body was discovered had formerly been her own home.

Coroner Dr Brian Farrell said that the post-mortem was carried out by the deputy state pathologist Dr Michael Curtis and he has given the cause of death as head injuries.

When asked by the coroner if she had any further questions, Mrs O'Brien replied: “Why are her killers walking free? Why are they walking the streets?” she said.

Dr Farrell said that it would not be appropriate for him to say anything more in relation to the matter because gardaí are actively investigating the death. He asked Det Insp Murphy to speak to Mrs O’Brien following the hearing and extended his sympathies to the family.

The inquest was adjourned for further mention on June 6.

By Gareth Naughton

Online Editors