Appeal Launched Over Barry Death

An appeal has been launched for information into the death of pensioner Paddy Barry, after he was found dead in his home following a suspected assault.

Gardaí have appealed for help in their investigation into Mr Barry's death. The pensioner, who was grandfather to the famous magician Keith Barry, died yesterday morning at Waterford Regional Hospital after being found unconscious at his home.

Gardaí investigating the circumstances surrounding the death of the 82-year-old, have however said this morning that there was “no specific evidence of an actual assault” from the preliminary results of Mr Barry's postmortem.

Yesterday, his grandson Keith criticised the Irish criminal justice system on the Marian Finucane radio show.

During the interview, Mr Barry called on the Department of Justice to introduce tougher laws to punish those who target older people. He said other elderly people living in the usually quiet Mount Sion area of the city were petrified following the attack.

A post-mortem examination will be carried out on Paddy Barry today.

The 18-year-old man who was arrested in connection with the incident was released without charge but a file has been sent to the DPP.

A Gardaí spokesman said this morning that “a major Garda investigation” was under way involving “over 50 officers” which has “the same status as a murder investigation”.

The spokesman said that Gardaí are “particularly keen” to speak to two teenage girls, “aged approximately 16 years”, who were seen playing in the Mount Sion area at about 9pm on September 16th.

Gardaí also wish to speak to anyone who saw or spoke to Mr Barry during the previous week.

They can be contacted at Waterford Garda station on 051-305300, the Garda Confidential Telephone Line 1800-666-111 or any Garda station.

(DW/KMcA)