Courts / Limerick / Report

Biker died from single shotgun wound to head, pathologist tells trial

Date
2017-07-18

Stage
Trial

Primary locality
Limerick

Summary

The trial of Alan 'Cookie' McNamara and Robert Cusack continued before Justice Paul McDermott and a jury. McNamara, 51, from Mountfune, Co Limerick, and Cusack, 28, from Abington, Murroe, both pleaded not guilty. McNamara is charged with the murder of Andrew O'Donoghue on June 20, 2015, while Cusack faces charges of impeding McNamara's apprehension. Deputy State Pathologist Dr Michael Curtis testified that O'Donoghue died from a single shotgun wound to the head, face, and neck. He stated that approximately 100 pellets created a 20cm by 60cm wound, with some penetrating the brain. The pellet pattern indicated the gun was fired from a distance of eight to ten feet. Detective Garda Niall Fitzgerald testified that officers entered McNamara's home with a warrant on the day of the shooting. They found a shotgun cartridge and a red diary in a bedroom cabinet, alongside four additional cartridges in a bedside locker. The diary, headed 'Caballeros MC Ireland,' contained lists of names, meeting minutes, and references to 'Cookie' and 'Robert.' Garda Fitzgerald agreed with defence counsel that entries dated June 16 under 'Prospects' appeared to link to Cusack. The trial is ongoing and was not adjourned or finalised during this session.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Biker died from single shotgun wound to head, pathologist tells trial. Charges or matters: the murder of Andrew O'Donoghue on June 20, 2015 at Mountfune; impeding Mr McNamara's apprehension knowing or believing him to have committed a serious offence. Procedural stage: trial

When:

June 20, 2015 Incident
June 20 Other
June 16 Hearing Or Sentence
2017-07-18 Publication

Case subjects

Cookie' McNamara

Defendant

Charges: the murder of Andrew O'Donoghue on June 20, 2015 at Mountfune; impeding Mr McNamara's apprehension knowing or believing him to have committed a serious offence (Alleged Or Contested)

Plea: Not guilty

Deputy State Pathologist Dr

Defendant

Charges: the murder of Andrew O'Donoghue on June 20, 2015 at Mountfune; impeding Mr McNamara's apprehension knowing or believing him to have committed a serious offence (Alleged Or Contested)

Plea: Not guilty

Robert Cusack

Defendant

Charges: impeding Mr McNamara's apprehension knowing or believing him to have committed a serious offence (Alleged Or Contested)

Plea: Not guilty