DAD OF MURDERED TEEN ‘DENIED JUSTICE’
A MAN whose son was beaten to death with a hatchet 15 years ago said gardai failed to deliver justice.
Jeffrey Hannan, 19, was killed at a bonfire near his home in O’malley Park, Limerick, in November 2007.
Detectives believe the unprovoked attack was seen by several other people yet no one has been brought to account. A criminal probe by the Garda watchdog into claims a detective withheld a witness statement from the investigation team in order to protect an informant has stalled.
A separate review of the murder inquiry has also not delivered a breakthrough.
Jeffrey’s dad Alan said: “I feel I’m let down by the gardai, the State, and by the GSOC [watchdog]. They know who did it so why don’t they go after them? It’s ridiculous. I’m absolutely devastated that no one has been charged with killing Jeffrey. Southill is a small place and everyone knows everyone’s business there.
“I was told who murdered Jeffrey on the morning he died. Gardai also know who murdered him and witnesses have given statements but no one has been brought to court. Why is that?”
When asked for comment, a GSOC spokeswoman replied: “As this investigation remains open, GSOC is not in a position to provide any update at this time.”
A Garda spokesman said: “We do not generally provide specific details of the conduct of any criminal investigation.
“An Garda Siochana does not comment on either investigations carried out by the Garda Siochana Ombudsman Commission or internal disciplinary matters.
“We can confirm an internal review into this matter has been completed by Limerick Garda Divisions.”