Published: Tuesday, 3rd June, 2008 10:15am

Sister tells inquiry of "lies and rumours"

by Court Reporter

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A FATAL Accident Inquiry (FAI) into the death of a teenager who was found dead in a Burgh police cell has heard how he died of a 'heroin overdose'.

But, questions have been raised about the police search techniques used by officers on the night Chad Hyslop, 19, was taken in to custody.

The FAI at Dumbarton Municiple Buildings, which started yesterday (Monday), heard evidence from the Burgh boy"s half-sister Sarah-Jane O"Neil, 28.

She told Sheriff Simon Pender that she 'would have slapped him' if she knew he had a heroin problem.

Ms O"Neil had been told by another person that Chad had smoked heroin when he spent time in custody at Greenock Prison.

When she confronted him about the allegations he told her it was 'a lot of rubbish' and 'people just spreading lies and rumours as usual'.

When questioned further by Sheila McDermid, fiscal depute, Ms O"Neil said: 'You"re just trying to make my brother look bad to cover your own backsides'.

Ms O"Neil, from Renton, told the court she was aware Chad may have taken valium, smoked cannabis and drank alcohol.

In the hours leading up to his death - she said Chad came to her door with two men - Joseph Quinn and Peter McCourt.

She said they were drunk and she told Chad to come back by himself because her daughter was asleep.

The inquiry also heard from Constable Jim McGurk, 42, of Dumbarton police, who spoke of events leading up to Chad"s arrest.

He was called to a disturbance, involving a samurai sword, in Station Road and he arrested two men, who were charged with breach of the peace.

Chad was not arrested at this point.

Further searches were carried out at Dumbarton police station.

Rosemary Cairns told the court that she cleaned cell three, where Chad"s body was found on February 25 last year.

The FAI is expected to last up to two weeks. Chad"s mother Peggy Hyslop is still to give evidence.

Her lawyer Mr Murphy told the court that they are expecting to present their own pathology report regarding Chad"s cause of death.

The FAI in front of Sheriff Pender continues.