Courts / Wicklow / Report

Shooting only stopped when Pete Taylor was hit, eyewitnesses tell trial

Date
2021-07-07

Stage
Trial

Primary locality
Bray

County
Wicklow

Summary

During a June 5, 2018 early‑morning fitness session at Bray Boxing Club, a lone gunman fired nine shots from a semi‑automatic pistol. Witnesses reported the shooter was calm and wore a black helmet, gloves and jacket. The gunman fired at trainer Pete Taylor, who was struck and fell, after which the shooting stopped. The gunman also shot Bobby Messett, who died, and Ian Britton, who was injured. Gerard Cervi, 34, is accused of murder and two attempted murders. He pleaded not guilty. The trial, held in the Central Criminal Court, heard eyewitness accounts from Polish gym‑goer Wojciech Bak, gym‑partner Alan Hunter, and others, describing the rapid, chaotic scene and the gunman's sudden cessation of fire after Taylor was hit. The case continues before Mr Justice Michael White and a jury.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Shooting only stopped when Pete Taylor was hit, eyewitnesses tell trial. Charges or matters: murdering Bobby Messett (50) at Mr Taylor's Bray Boxing Club, Bray Harbour, Bray, Co Wicklow during an early morning fitness session on June 5, 2018. Procedural stage: trial

When:

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

Case subjects

Gerard Cervi

Accused

Charges: murdering Bobby Messett (50) at Mr Taylor's Bray Boxing Club, Bray Harbour, Bray, Co Wicklow during an early morning fitness session on June 5, 2018 (Alleged Or Contested)

Plea: Not guilty

Pete Taylor

Accused

Charges: murdering Bobby Messett (50) at Mr Taylor's Bray Boxing Club, Bray Harbour, Bray, Co Wicklow during an early morning fitness session on June 5, 2018 (Alleged Or Contested)

Plea: Not guilty