The Attorney General has asked the High Court for an order to compel the widow of a man shot dead six years ago to attend as a witness the inquest into his death.
The Dublin city coroner, Dr Brian Farrell, told Mr Justice Lavan that Mrs Lynda Lee, of Seabury Park, Malahide, Co Dublin, was an essential witness at the inquest into the death of Gerard Lee (31). He was shot dead during a birthday party for him in Coolock in March, 1996.
Mrs Lee, the court was told, had appeared at the inquest in November 1997, where she alleged that a statement made had been dictated to her by gardaí. The inquest was adjourned so the Garda could seek legal advice.
New dates have been fixed to reconvene the inquest since 1997 but Mrs Lee has failed to answer summonses asking her to attend.
Mrs Lee, who is conducting her own defence, told Mr Justice Lavan yesterday she was challenging the Attorney General's application to have the court direct her to attend.
Mr Jim O'Callaghan, for the Attorney General, said Mrs Lee was one of the last persons to see her husband alive. She had commenced giving evidence but later, on five occasions, failed to attend the reconvened inquest.
Mr Gerard Hogan SC, for the Attorney General, said Mrs Lee had given no satisfactory explanation why she would not turn up at the inquest.
The hearing continues today.