THE INQUEST into the death of Dwayne Foster heard that he had complained to his solicitor about a bruise over his right eye, among other marks, following his arrest.
Foster (24) of Woodbank Avenue, Finglas, Dublin 11, was detained at Coolock Garda station for questioning in relation to the fatal shooting of mother of one Donna Cleary when he was discovered unresponsive on March 7th, 2006.
Ms Cleary was shot dead at a party at Adare Green, Coolock, in the early hours of March 5th, 2006.
The inquest at Dublin City Coroner’s Court, which has been going on all week, heard that following his arrival at Coolock Garda station, Mr Foster spoke in person to his solicitor, Seán O’Donnell.
Before leaving the station shortly before 2am, Mr O’Donnell read out a list of complaints made by Mr Foster to station orderly Garda Tara Goode.
Mr Foster complained of a bruise over his right eye, a mark at the back of his left hand, bruising at the back of his right hand and a bruise over his left knee.
Garda Goode told Dublin City Coroner’s Court that there were no bruises visible on Mr Foster when he arrived at Coolock Garda station shortly before 12.30am on March 6th, and he made no complaints.
Mr Foster indicated a scar on his left wrist when asked by Garda Goode, who processed him, if he had any marks, tattoos or scars.
He also indicated that he had received radiotherapy for throat cancer and had a skin condition.
Asked by the coroner Dr Brian Farrell if she had asked about injuries, Garda Goode replied no, she had asked about marks, tattoos and scars.
Det Garda Martin Mulligan, who arrested Mr Foster at Thornton Lodge and accompanied him to Coolock Garda station, told the inquest that when Mr Foster was being checked in at the station he noticed “purple blotch marks on his [Mr Foster’s] neck on both sides of his voicebox to around his ears”.
Det Garda Mulligan also heard Mr Foster explain that he had suffered from cancer.
Asked by the solicitor for the Foster family, Michael Finucane, if that [reference to treatment] included the purple marks on his neck, Det Garda Mulligan said he couldn’t recall.
Det Garda Mulligan said it was similar to marks he had seen on his late grandmother who had throat cancer and received treatment.
During extensive questioning of Garda Mulligan by Mr Finucane, the coroner told the solicitor he was not permitted to investigate the [Garda] inquiry.
“We have agreed we are not investigating the minutiae of the arrest,” said Dr Farrell.
Det Garda Aidan Delaney, who was involved in the search of Thornton Lodge for evidence in relation to the unlawful possession of a firearm as part of the investigation of the murder of Ms Cleary, told the inquest that Foster appeared very calm to him and did not seem upset.
Det Garda Delaney, who drove Mr Foster to the Garda station, saw no marks on his face.
“At no stage did he make any complaints. . . about ill treatment. At no stage was Dwayne Foster mistreated,” said Det Garda Delaney.
The inquest continues today.