dj...try and remember that the DPP relies on admissible evidence
Ie...similar case whereby the only evidence say at a cronial inquest is a statement by say someone like Hurley.
Irrespective of that info's veracity, the DPP would judge that since that statement is never ever going to be admitted in court as it cant, then irrespective of what's in it, culpatory or otherwise, it cant shouldnt and wouldnt be used by the DPP to make their decision
In that case..the evidence would never lead a jury to a finding then the DPP would decide accordingly.
As for the injuries...trust me...the autopsy, forensic and pathologcal evidence would clearly demonstrate the likely causation of the injuries. Its done day in and day out. And clearly they lead to a total rejection of a malfeasance on the part of Hurley. There is no evidence of a blow, a punch, bruisngs etc consistent with a blow that would cause the injuries
As such....given all suggest there was a fall..then the fall is the only conclusion one can reach.
As far as the witness...who was blotto...remember in his statement he speaks of punches, closed fists, kicks etc that there is not a skerrick of evidence to support.
The DPP again - on a daily basis - has to judge the merits of this sort of evidence and clearly and rightfully found that the veracity and reliability of the witness was insufficient to take to a jury
