Inquest into death of Liam Adams to be heard by a jury

By Rebecca Black, PA

The inquest into the death of Liam Adams is to be heard by a jury.

The brother of former Sinn Fein president Gerry Adams died in 2019 after being diagnosed with cancer.

He died at a hospice.

Liam Adams, 63, had been resident in Maghaberry Prison, Co Antrim, serving a 16-year sentence for the rape and sexual assault of his daughter, Aine Dahlstrom, who waived her right to privacy.

The first preliminary hearing took place at Belfast Coroner’s Court on Friday.

Coroner Paddy McGurgan heard there are three properly interested parties in the inquest – the next of kin, the South Eastern health trust and the Prison Service.

He said it will be a jury inquest, but no date has been set.

A report into Mr Adams’ death by the Prisoner Ombudsman for Northern Ireland has not been released.

The coroner said the inquest cannot proceed until the ombudsman has completed their role.

“As I have understood it the family were very anxious to have this inquest progressed – obviously I can’t do that until PONI have completed their role,” he said.

A lawyer representing Mr Adams’ family said he expects that to take place in the “very near future”.