Courts / Wicklow / Report
Trial date set for man accused of trying to murder boxing coach Pete Taylor, ending bail bid
Summary
A 36‑year‑old man, Gerard Cervi, faces trial at the Central Criminal Court on 2 October for the murder of Bobby Messett (50) and the attempted murder of boxing coach Pete Taylor, who was also shot when a gunman entered Bray Boxing Club on 5 June 2018. Cervi, originally from Dublin's East Wall, is also accused of attempting to murder Ian Britton on the same day and location. He has been in custody since September 2018, with his first trial in September 2021 collapsed after 10 weeks when a juror fell ill. The Court of Appeal had previously considered granting him bail under the strictest conditions, but denied bail after a trial date was fixed. The case is expected to last six weeks, with the court noting that the trial will likely be very long.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Trial date set for man accused of trying to murder boxing coach Pete Taylor, ending bail bid. Charges or matters: the murder of Bobby Messett (50) and of the attempted murder of Mr Taylor, who was also shot when a gunman entered Bray Boxing Club in Bray Harbour, Co Wicklow on June 5, 2018. Procedural stage: appeal
When:
- June 5, 2018 Hearing Or Sentence
- September 2021 Hearing Or Sentence
- October 2 Adjournment
- September 2018 Hearing Or Sentence
- 2023-05-25 Publication
Why: Mr Justice Birmingham said that if there was a clear timeline regarding the trial, bail would have been refused, but because there was not the bail consideration had been "pushed over the line". CNI source report
Case subjects
Appellant
Charges: the murder of Bobby Messett (50) and of the attempted murder of Mr Taylor, who was also shot when a gunman entered Bray Boxing Club in Bray Harbour, Co Wicklow on June 5, 2018 (Alleged Or Contested)
Outcome: Mr Justice McDermott remanded Mr Cervi in custody until October 2, when his trial is expected to begin.
Appellant
Charges: the murder of Bobby Messett (50) and of the attempted murder of Mr Taylor, who was also shot when a gunman entered Bray Boxing Club in Bray Harbour, Co Wicklow on June 5, 2018 (Alleged Or Contested)
Outcome: Mr Justice McDermott remanded Mr Cervi in custody until October 2, when his trial is expected to begin.
Places mentioned
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