Family Testifies to George Nkencho’s Mental Health Struggles Before Fatal Garda Shooting
The inquest into the death of George Nkencho, a 27-year-old man fatally shot by members of the Garda Armed Support Unit in December 2020, has heard harrowing testimony from his sisters, detailing a prolonged period of mental health challenges. The incident, which occurred outside the Nkencho family home on Manorfields Drive, Clonee, Co Dublin on December 30, 2020, is now under intense scrutiny.
In June 2020, the family revealed, George contacted the Gardaí believing he was experiencing auditory hallucinations and fearing harm from his family. The inquest heard that the Nkencho family provided consistent love and support, and proactively pursued medical assistance for their brother. According to Grateful Nkencho, George was “not on medication” and, to her knowledge, “not on drugs” at the time of the incident.
Describing the scene on the day of the shooting, Grateful Nkencho told Coroner Dr. Myra Cullinane that she saw her brother lying on the ground outside the front door,making eye contact with her. She recalled he appeared “stunned” and “in pain.” She further testified to witnessing George attempting to remove taser wires from his body, a female Garda deploying pepper spray, and George holding what she described as a “small pocket knife.” When questioned by Ronan Kennedy, senior counsel for An Garda Síochána, about whether the knife was later identified as a kitchen knife, Grateful Nkencho replied that it was not.
Gloria Nkencho’s testimony painted a picture of desperation and fear. She recounted shouting to the Gardaí that George was her brother, “he is sick, we are trying to get him help,” believing her pleas “definitely must have heard me.” She also described witnessing a Garda deliver “a forceful kick on the flat of his back” to George. Following the initial confrontation, Gloria stated that two detectives entered the family home and inquired if George was alright, to which they were told he was “threatening.”
Gloria detailed George’s mental state following a car accident in 2015, explaining that he became “quiet,” began “hearing voices,” exhibited signs of paranoia, and grew increasingly “distant.” The family believed he was suffering from PTSD. While they believed he abstained from alcohol and medication, they acknowledged he occasionally struggled with his temper.The family had been actively seeking professional help for George, and Gardaí had previously visited the home in June 2020 after George expressed fear of his family, offering advice and resources.However, the inquest also heard that George missed two scheduled visits from a mental health team.
Sergeant Peter nestor, present at the scene, testified that he initially observed George walking normally before witnessing him produce a knife.He stated that George acted “angrily and aggressive” and even “lunged” at him, leading him to fear for his life and the safety of the public. Sergeant Nestor recounted hearing armed Gardaí repeatedly issue commands – “drop the knife,” “Taser, Taser,” and “Spray, Spray” – which George ignored. He confirmed hearing a clear taser warning before witnessing George rise after being tasered and resume swinging the knife, again “lunging” at the armed Gardaí. “He was trying to stab them, he was trying to kill them. I’ve no doubt about that,” sgt. Nestor told the court. He also directed bystanders at the front door to seek safety.
A video recorded by Garda Shane Gallagher on his mobile phone,attached to his stab vest,was presented as evidence. The footage depicted a chaotic scene with several gunshots audible, prompting some family members to leave the courtroom. Garda Gallagher also testified to fearing for his own life after seeing George brandish the knife,noting that George was “squeezing the knife very tightly” and disregarded repeated instructions to drop it.
The inquest continues tomorrow, promising further examination of the events leading up to George Nkencho’s death and the actions taken by the Gardaí.
