McGuinness died from cardiac event after arrest, inquest told

A convicted criminal, considered a key suspect in the kidnapping and torture of Quinn Industrial Holdings (QIH) executive Kevin Lunney, died from a suspected "cardiac event" after being handcuffed during his arrest, an inquest in the UK has heard.

Cyril McGuinness, known as "Dublin Jimmy", was seen to smoke three cigarettes and drink a cup of tea while sitting on a sofa following his arrest at around 7am in the Buxton area of Derbyshire on 8 November.

Chesterfield Coroner's Court was told that McGuinness, who "already had a diseased heart", collapsed 60-90 minutes later at the address on Rockfield Road and was pronounced dead at around 10am.

Police called an ambulance and attempted resuscitation immediately but the 54-year-old died almost three hours after his arrest.

The raid was part of a coordinated series of search operations, mainly focused on the border area, linked to the brutal attack on Mr Lunney in September.

Mr Lunney, 50, was abducted outside his home near Derrylin, Co Fermanagh, and taken across the border where he was beaten and tortured.

The attack was the most serious in a five-year campaign of intimidation targeting the companies and directors that now control the business portfolio built up by Sean Quinn.

It is understood that Mr Lunney has returned to work following the attack.

The opening of the inquest was told that "no trauma" had led to McGuinness's death and it was likely that he died as a result of a cardiac event due to an "already diseased heart".

Giving evidence, Detective Sergeant Steve Simmons said the death was automatically referred to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC).

Outlining the events leading up to McGuinness's death, Mr Simmons said: "The circumstances are that Derbyshire Police attended an address in Buxton at the request of the Police Service of Northern Ireland.

"Mr McGuinness was arrested at about 7am, was placed in handcuffs, and approximately an hour to an hour-and-a-half later, he collapsed.

"During that time there was a search of his property."

Senior Coroner for Derby and Derbyshire, Dr Robert Hunter told the officer it was his understanding that McGuinness "was sat on the sofa and had three cigarettes and a cup of tea".

Mr Simmons added: "Police present began resuscitation straight away and contacted the ambulance service.

"Mr McGuinness was pronounced dead at 9.55am."

Dr Hunter adjourned the inquest until the conclusion of the IOPC investigation.