The criminal justice system did not facilitate truth or justice, Brian Murphy's mother Mary said yesterday after her son's inquest recorded a verdict of unlawful death.
The Murphy family welcomed the finding from the Dublin City Coroner's Court and Brian's father Denis said that the coroner's process had arrived at the truth, unlike the criminal justice system.
"I think it's a reflection of truth of what happened on the morning of the 31st of August, 2000," he said. The sole manslaughter conviction in the case was overturned in 2005 and a retrial ordered but last year the State entered a nolle prosequi (no prosecution). In July, it emerged that the DPP would not be seeking further prosecutions in the case.
Mrs Murphy said victims of violent death deserved much more. "This is not good enough," she said. "I hope and pray that the injustice perpetuated on Brian will make people of goodwill, particularly working within the legal system, think again and re-evaluate what they are doing."
She said her son "suffered huge brutality, as have many other victims of homicide. When they die, their voice dies with them, as does the voice of their families.
"On behalf of Brian and all the other victims of violent death, whose voice cannot be heard, I appeal to political and legal authorities to redress the imbalance in our legal system and to look at ways to bring truth back into the equation."
Her voice breaking, she added: "Brian, my love, we have done all we can for you. You will remain in our hearts forever." The couple were accompanied to the inquest by their daughter Claire and son Robert.
Remy Farrell BL, for the Murphy family, told the coroner's court that the family wished to express their "heartfelt gratitude" to the gardaí who investigated Brian's death, and to the staff of the coroner's court.
The coroner and Stephen Byrne BL for the Chief State Solicitor's Office both offered their condolences to the Murphy family.
Brian Murphy would have celebrated his 26th birthday last week.
