Courts / Limerick / Report

Getaway driver for Christy Keane hit gunmen released on 'humanitarian reasons'

Date
2023-05-19

Stage
Sentence

Primary locality
Limerick

Summary

In a Special Criminal Court hearing, John Costello, a 41‑year‑old Limerick resident, was released on humanitarian grounds after serving part of a four‑year‑six‑month sentence for acting as a getaway driver in the 2015 shooting of drug dealer Christy Keane. Judge Tony Hunt cited "highly relevant personal circumstances" involving a child and significant responsibilities, and suspended the remaining portion of Costello's sentence for four years on the condition of good behaviour. Costello had pleaded guilty to providing transport to individuals allegedly involved in an assault causing serious harm to Keane, a charge stemming from the infamous Limerick feud. The judge noted Costello's early guilty plea and his reluctance to participate, but acknowledged he had been directed by a higher‑ranking individual to assist the shooters. The court warned that if Costello is re‑arrested, he must serve the remainder of his sentence.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Getaway driver for Christy Keane hit gunmen released on 'humanitarian reasons'. Charges or matters: providing transport to persons allegedly involved in an assault causing serious harm to Keane on 29 June, 2015. Procedural stage: sentence

When: