A 22-year-old Kerry man who fell into the River Corrib in Galway after he was chased from a city shop by a store manager died from asphyxia due to drowning, his inquest heard.
John Paul Martin, Rock Street, Tralee, was last seen alive when he fell into the river at the Salmon Weir Bridge shortly after 1pm on June 2nd last. His body surfaced at Galway Docks nine days later, on the afternoon of June 11th.
James Duggan told the inquest that Martin entered Mary's of Galway, a discount store at Eglinton Street, where he was manager, on June 2nd.
He tried to leave the store without paying for a tent worth €14.99, which he had badly concealed under his tracksuit top.
Mr Duggan told Martin he would not call the Garda if Martin replaced the tent.
Mr Duggan said Martin replied that he "liked a good fight" and left the store.
Mr Duggan rang the Garda and followed Martin to Newtownsmyth, where the young man threw the tent into the canal and turned on to the walkway at the River Corrib.
After a few yards, Martin hopped over the railing and landed on the ledge on the far side, where he stood for a second before falling backwards into the river. He was quickly pulled into the middle of the river by the strong current.
Mr Duggan stressed that he had no physical contact with Martin at any stage, either in the store, the street or the walkway.
