Probe to take place into the way road death was investigated by Limerick gardai

A CRIMINAL investigation is to be conducted into the way the death of a city teenager was investigated by gardai.

Savannah Calvert, from Garryowen, lost her life aged only 14 in 2023, when she was crossing the road at Bank Place in the city centre.

Earlier this year, her eldest sister Diane was told the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) would not be bringing charges against the driver of the car which struck the youngster.

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Since then, the family have stepped up their campaign to secure what they feel is “justice” for Savannah.

They’ve enlisted the help of city man Mike Daly, who fought a 14-year battle with the HSE over the death of his father Mike Snr, successfully securing a second inquest into his passing.

Among other things, they referred the teen's case to Fiosrú, which replaced the Garda Siochana Ombudsman Commission in April this year.

Ms Calvert has now received confirmation from the garda watchdog that it will act upon her complaint.

In a letter, seen by Limerick Live, a representative of the body confirmed they are investigating a complaint by the family under the Policing, Security and Community Safety Act, 2024.

They added the case is being handled by a named official within Fiosrú.

“The investigation is to be conducted as a criminal investigation. We will be in touch with you so0on to let you know of any further updates,” the email goes on to state.

When contacted by Limerick Live, a spokesperson for Fiosrú said the organisation neither confirms nor denies the existence of complaints made by or against individuals.

“This is to protect the investigative process, and the rights both of complainants and those complained about. Fiosrú is not in a position to comment further,” they added.

Ms Calvert said whatever the investigation body rules, the family will accept it “as long as it is fair, transparent and based on the full facts”.

“For the first time since my sister Savannah died, I feel like someone is finally listening. We have lived with unanswered questions, contradictions and confusion for over two years. All we ever wanted was the truth - nothing more, nothing less,” she added.

The appeal to the garda watchdog came after Mr Daly went through the medical report and the autopsy after teenager Savannah’s death, alongside the DPP’s reasoning not to go forward with a prosecution.

He said there were “massive contradictions” between the two.

On top of this, the family have also asked the European Court of Human Rights in Strasbourg, France, to look at the case.

This is being done on the basis of article two of the European Convention on Human Rights, dealing with the right to life. The convention is an international treaty which protects the rights and freedoms for the 830 million people in Europe.