Cork inquest returns verdict of unlawful killing

A verdict of unlawful killing has been recorded following the death of a vulnerable pensioner who was attacked and tied up at his home in Cork city.

The remains of Christopher (Gussie) Hornibrook were discovered on November 6th, 2007 when his brother Robert made a lunchtime visit to his home on Templeacre Avenue in Gurranebraher.

At his inquest in Cork Coroner’s Court yesterday, investigating gardaí told coroner Myra Cullinane the killing remained unsolved. However, the case is still open.

Gardaí are particularly keen to talk a man who contacted them the day after the murder claiming he had vital information. He cut his call short and his mobile could not be traced. Gardaí believe this individual’s information could be the key to solving the murder.

Frail man

The inquest heard the death shocked residents in the Gurranebraher area as Gussie Hornibrook was a frail man who had a set routine. He lived alone and never felt the need to lock his door. He received assistance from family members but liked to keep to himself.

Det Sgt John Bryant of the Garda Technical Bureau said the pensioner’s body was found in a downstairs room. Small amounts of money were around the house. There was no sign of a robbery or forced entry. He said a full examination was made of the crime scene.

A neighbour, Tony O’Sullivan, had his evidence read in to the court as he was not present. Mr O’Sullivan was the last person to see Gussie Hornibrook alive, shortly after 9pm on November 5th, 2007. He reported not hearing any disturbance in the adjoining house on the night of the killing.

The testimony of Robert Hornibrook was also read into evidence as he has passed away. He called to his brother’s house on November 6th and found him dead on the floor.

“I put on the light and I saw Gussie lying on the floor and I said ‘get up’ and he didn’t move. I went over and touched his face and he was cold. He was lying on his back looking up. He always kept the front door open. That was his way.”

Shocked

A niece of the deceased, Sheila Hornibrook went to the house after her father raised the alarm. She said she expected him to be dead in bed and was shocked to see him on the ground with his shirt up around him. “It was heartbreaking trying to get my dad out of there. I said ‘don’t touch him’ and to get away. I said we should all get out and call the guards.”

Det Garda Alan Johnson who attended the scene said the death was registered as being suspicious as the pensioner was found with bindings to his body and blood on his face.

Det Garda Denis Lynch said gardaí carried out door to door inquiries in a bid to find out the last known movements of the deceased. He said despite media appeals for information, the case remained unsolved.

Mr Hornibrook died as a result of being beaten in the chest and neck and tied up. Pathologist Dr Margaret Bolster said death was caused by a combination of blunt force trauma to the chest and neck with restraint asphyxia associated with severe heart disease. There is no known motive for the killing.