Gardaí involved in shooting of George Nkencho will not be prosecuted – DPP

Kenneth Fox

Gardaí involved in the fatal shooting of George Nkencho outside his home in Dublin will not be prosecuted, the Director of Prosecutions (DPP) has said.

As the Irish Examiner reports, the shooting was investigated by the Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission (Gsoc) and a file had been sent to the DPP, which has decided not to prosecute.

Mr Nkencho (27) was shot dead outside his family home in Clonee, Dublin 15, on December 30th, 2020.

Mr Nkencho was shot multiple times by members of the Garda Armed Support Unit after he appeared to lunge at gardaí with a knife. The incident happened after he was alleged involved in an earlier assault at a nearby shop.

Mr Nkencho’s family said he was suffering from mental health issues and have been highly critical of the level of force used by gardaí, and had welcomed the investigation into the circumstances which led to his death.

In a statement on Wednesday afternoon, Gsoc said it was notified by the DPP of its decision not to direct a prosecution.

"GSOC can confirm that it has been notified by the DPP of its decision not to direct a prosecution in the case of the tragic death of Mr George Nkencho, who was shot and killed by a member of the Garda Síochána Armed Support unit outside his family home in West Dublin on December 30th, 2020.

"The incident was the subject of an independent criminal investigation by GSOC, which concluded in June 2023 with the submission by GSOC of an investigative file to the DPP.

"GSOC has noted the DPP’s decision, and has notified interested parties in the case, including the Nkencho family and Garda Members involved.

"GSOC has further notified the Nkencho family of their entitlement under the Criminal Justice (Victims of Crime) Act 2017 to a summary of reasons from the DPP for its decision not to prosecute, as well as their statutory entitlement to request a review of the decision."

A Garda statement added: "An Garda Síochána notes the decision of the DPP.

"Commissioner [Drew] Harris re-iterates today his and the organisation’s sympathy with the family of George Nkencho.

"An Garda Síochána will await further information from Gsoc on its next steps before commenting further."

An inquest into Mr Nkencho's death had been adjourned while the investigation was ongoing.