Courts / Wicklow / Report

'Don't move, don't breathe, he is coming': eyewitness tells trial of Boxing Club shooting

Date
2021-07-01

Stage
Trial

Primary locality
Bray

County
Wicklow

Summary

An eyewitness, Eddie McCann, gave evidence in the trial of Gerard Cervi for the shooting at Bray Boxing Club on 5 June 2018. McCann, a fireman, described the moment he saw a gunman in builder's clothing, wearing a black balaclava and sunglasses, walk into the gym and fire a semi‑automatic pistol. He recalled the gunman's first shot killing Bobby Messett in the head, and the subsequent shots that wounded boxing coach Pete Taylor and participant Ian Britton. McCann detailed his own actions: he applied pressure to Taylor's gunshot wound, called emergency services, and helped other victims. He also described the gunman's appearance and the chaotic scene, including the sounds of gunfire and screams. The evidence was presented to a jury in the Central Criminal Court, with the prosecution arguing that Cervi was the lone gunman who intended to commit murder. The trial continued the following day. Gerard Cervi pleaded not guilty.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: 'Don't move, don't breathe, he is coming': eyewitness tells trial of Boxing Club shooting. Charges or matters: murdering Mr Messett and the attempted murder of two other men, Mr Taylor and Ian Britton; murdering Mr Messett (50) at Bray Boxing Club, Bray Harbour, Bray, Co Wicklow on June 5, 2018. Procedural stage: trial

When:

June 5, 2018 Other
June 5 Hearing Or Sentence
2021-07-01 Publication

Why: The witness explained that the class, which was run by Mr Taylor, started each morning at 6. CNI source report

Case subjects

Eddie McCann

Defendant

Charges: murdering Mr Messett and the attempted murder of two other men, Mr Taylor and Ian Britton; murdering Mr Messett (50) at Bray Boxing Club, Bray Harbour, Bray, Co Wicklow on June 5, 2018 (Alleged Or Contested)

Gerard Cervi

Accused

Plea: Not guilty