Wheelock family campaign for inquiry into son's death

More than 3,000 people have signed a petition asking the Government for an independent inquiry into the death of a young man who died after being in Garda custody. Terence Wheelock died on 16 September last, having been found unconscious in a cell in Store St Garda station on 2 June. According to gardaí, they found him with a ligature around his neck, indicating he tried to hang himself. His family want an independent inquiry into his death as they believe that Terence didn't commit suicide and that the Garda Siochána have not cooperated with them or their solicitor, Yvonne Banbury. The Garda Siochána has refused to hand over Terence's clothing to Banbury for forensic examination; or to give Banbury any documentation relating to an internal inquiry they are conducting. When Banbury went to inspect the cell in which he was found unconscious, it had been renovated.

On 29 October the Wheelock family held a protest and vigil outside Store St Garda station, calling for an independent inquiry. They were supported by a crowd of three hundred and TDs Joe Costello and Tony Gregory. They handed in a petition calling for an independent inquiry into Terence's death, signed by 3,000 people. The gardaí said they would pass it on to the Minsiter for Justice, Michael McDowell.

Robert Wheelock, brother of Terence said the family felt the protest went: "very well" and were hopeful that they would have a response from the Minister for Justice soon. They sent personal letters to the minister as well.

Emma Browne