Courts / Wicklow / Report

Witness thought gunman was playing a joke, Bray Boxing club trial hears

Summary

During the trial in the Central Criminal Court, a witness named Andy Williams recounted the fatal shooting that occurred on 5 June 2018 at Bray Boxing Club. He said he initially thought the gunman was joking, as the gun appeared fake and did not look real. After a few seconds he saw the gun turn and shoot Bobby Messett in the face, causing Messett to fall. Williams then heard more shots and saw trainer Pete Taylor lying on the ground with a sulphur smell. He later found that Messett was gone and Taylor was being tended to by a classmate. Ian Britton was also hit in the foot. Williams called the Gardaí, but they could not say how long it took to arrive. The accused, Gerard Cervi, 34, has pleaded not guilty to the murder of Messett, the attempted murder of Taylor, and the assault on Britton.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Witness thought gunman was playing a joke, Bray Boxing club trial hears. Charges or matters: murdering Bobby Messett (50) at Bray Boxing Club, Bray Harbour, Bray, Co Wicklow on June 5, 2018. Procedural stage: trial

When:

• June 5, 2018 Other
• 2021-07-05 Publication

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Stage Trial Violent Crime

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Read the original CNI report