Courts / Dublin / Report

Stardust doorman tells inquest he can't say if doors were unlocked

Summary

During the Stardust nightclub inquest, former deputy head doorman Leo Doyle testified that he cannot confirm whether the exit doors were unlocked on the night of the February 14, 1981 fire that killed 48 people. Doyle said he had no recollection of stating that exits one and six were locked and chained while the club was open, nor of being told to keep those exits closed. He admitted he did not remember the existence of exit one. Doyle also explained that the club practiced "mock locking" by chaining two chains together and flipping the chain over to give the appearance of a lock, but he could not say if the locks were actually off the doors. He denied accepting that this practice was inherently dangerous and claimed he had no idea who devised the draping of chains. The inquest continues tomorrow in the Pillar Room of the Rotunda Hospital.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Stardust doorman tells inquest he can't say if doors were unlocked. Procedural stage: trial

When:

• February 14, 1981 Hearing Or Sentence
• 2023-07-12 Publication

Places mentioned

Topics

Stage Trial

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Read the original CNI report