THE MOTHER an Irish student who drowned in Ibiza has said she is “devastated” following the failure of her appeal to have a ship captain convicted of manslaughter.
Brazil Bourke (21) from Hospital, Co Limerick, a nephew of former minister for defence Willie O’Dea, died after jumping from the deck of a party boat in July 2006.
Spanish captain Jose Ribas (46) was cleared of manslaughter following a trial at Ibiza’s Criminal Court in June of last year.
He was fined €1,800 after being found guilty of a lesser charge of failing to come to the aid of someone requiring help.
Mr Bourke’s parents, John and Mary, lodged a private appeal against the acquittal.
In a ruling released yesterday, three judges at the Balearics Provincial Court in Palma, Majorca, upheld the acquittal.
Speaking about the ruling last night, Mary Bourke said her family was shocked by the judges’ decision and says she has not received justice for her son. She was also critical of Mr Ribas, whom she believes failed in his duty of care.