State cases, coroner referrals and skeletonised remains were among 417 cases dealt with by the state pathologist in 2022
The state pathologist saw an increase of nearly 28 per cent in the number of cases it dealt with last year, its new annual report reveals. A total of 417 cases were referred to the Office of the State Pathologist in 2022, compared to 327 during the previous year.
The majority of these, 213, were state cases, while 172 were referred to the office by coroners, and four were sent to the office for expert opinion.Some 28 of the cases last year related to skeletonised remains. Just 11 of these were confirmed to be human in origin, however, as 16 transpired to be animal bones, and one turned out to be a piece of wood. In eight of the 11 cases involving human skeletons, the remains were ancient and were referred to the National Museum of Ireland. Of the remaining three, one was identified as modern, one is awaiting carbon dating, and is awaiting DNA analysis. The annual report showed that 61 per cent of cases dealt with by the state pathologist were in the Leinster region, while 48 cases or 22 per cent were in Munster. Some 21 cases or 10 per cent related to Ulster, and 14 were in Connacht. The annual report explained that the main work of pathologists related to "sudden, unexplained death where a criminal or suspicious element is present". "The pathologists deal with homicides, as well as a wide range of natural and unnatural deaths, for example road traffic collisions, accidents, and drug-related deaths," it stated. The report also outlined a number of other situations in which pathologists are required, including cold-case reviews and the examination of skeletal remains. Cold-case reviews or other referred cases require a considerable amount of material to be examined, the report noted, and often require significant input from the pathologist. "This includes liaising with gardaí, solicitors or coroners, sometimes from outside the jurisdiction, reviewing all relevant records and compiling a report. On average, each case requires approximately 10 hours’ work, although some cases may require almost double that amount of time," it added. Join the Irish Mirror’s breaking news service on WhatsApp. Click this link to receive breaking news and the latest headlines direct to your phone. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you’re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.
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