‘Sensitive case’ leads to Garda search of grave
GARDAÍ have conducted an exhumation operation at St Mary’s Cemetery in Enniscorthy as part of an ongoing crime investigation in the town.
A forensic anthropologist was present last Wednesday during the examination of an existing grave in the original cemetery, in what is understood to have been a search for undisclosed remains.
To ensure the privacy of the operation, crime scene tents were erected by gardai over the grave during the investigation which began at 10.30 am and continued until 3.30 pm. No remains were exhumed as a result of the search.
Investigating gardai had to obtain approval for the examination from St Aidan’s Cathedral, which runs the cemetery, and also contacted the Coroner for Wexford, Dr Seán Nixon, for the required permission to interfere with a grave.
A spokesman for Enniscorthy gardai said the search was carried out ‘in relation to an ongoing investigation in the town by local gardai’ and confirmed that it concerned allegations of an historic nature but would not outline details of the case, describing it as ‘a sensitive matter’.
The garda investigation has been taking place for some time and a file will now be completed and sent to the Director of Public Prosecutions for consideration. Forensic anthropologists are drafted in to carry out skeletal analysis and archaeological techniques to help solve criminal cases. It was reported last year that a woman spoke to the Star newspaper, alleging that she gave birth to a baby in a wood after being allegedly raped and tortured by a now-deceased County Wexfordman who killed the infant which she buried the next day in the grave of a relative.
At the time, a spokesman for Enniscorthy gardai said they were aware of the allegations of abuse and the case was under review.
The woman was reported as saying that she wanted the baby’s body to be recovered and given a proper burial.