An inquest has revealed that Dan Andrei Alexuc died from fatal compression of his neck while face down on the ground after being restrained outside a Dublin pub last year. The 41-year-old father of two, who lived in Newcastle, Co Dublin, and was originally from Romania, became unwell during the early hours of December 14, 2024.
Mr. Alexuc, who worked as a service delivery team manager with Circet, was transported by ambulance to St James’s Hospital in Dublin. He was formally pronounced dead at 1:55 a.m.
Details of the Temple Bar Incident
Gardaí reported responding to a disturbance outside a licensed premises on Essex Street East in Dublin’s Temple Bar shortly before 1 a.m. Upon arrival, officers detained a male they found being restrained by security staff.
We see understood that Mr. Alexuc had been attending a Christmas party at the time. Gardaí sought assistance from a nearby ambulance crew after he appeared to be unwell during the restraint.
Medical Findings and Contributory Factors
During the opening of the inquest at Dublin District Coroner’s Court, Coroner Myra Cullinane presented the results of a postmortem conducted by State pathologist SallyAnne Collis. The report concluded the cause of death was “manual compression of the neck while restrained in a prone position.”
The pathologist also noted that acute alcohol intoxication and hypertensive heart disease were listed as contributory factors in the death.
Ongoing Investigations and Legal Proceedings
Detective Inspector Damien Kelly has applied for an adjournment of the inquest under Section 25 (1) of the Coroners Act. This request is based on the fact that criminal proceedings are currently being considered regarding the circumstances of the death.
Det Inspector Kelly informed the court that a Garda investigation is ongoing and that a file is anticipated to be forwarded to the DPP for direction on any future actions.
The case has also been referred to Fiosrú, the independent policing watchdog previously known as the Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission. A representative from Fiosrú, Maria Nicholson, has been granted a copy of the postmortem report, though Dr. Cullinane noted that Fiosrú’s involvement is confined to the role of the Gardaí.
Potential Next Steps
The inquest is likely to remain paused while the DPP reviews the investigation file to determine if charges may be brought. A further mention of the case is listed for November 18th.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the official cause of death for Dan Andrei Alexuc?
The postmortem showed he died from “manual compression of the neck while restrained in a prone position.”
Who is investigating the role of the Gardaí in this incident?
The independent policing watchdog, Fiosrú (formerly the Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission), is investigating the role of the Gardaí.
Why was the inquest adjourned?
The adjournment was requested under Section 25 (1) of the Coroners Act because criminal proceedings are being considered in relation to the death.
How should oversight bodies balance the use of restraint by security staff versus law enforcement in public disturbances?
