Courts / Wicklow / Report

Fingerprint and DNA evidence links accused to gunman's van, State tells Bray Boxing club murder trial

Summary

The State presented fingerprint and DNA evidence linking Gerard Cervi to a van used by the gunman in the Bray Boxing Club shootings of 2018. Cervi, 36, was charged with the murder of Bobby Messett and the attempted murders of coach Pete Taylor and Ian Britton. The prosecution described the shooting at 6:50 am, where nine shots were fired, killing Messett and injuring Taylor and Britton. CCTV footage showed a grey Volkswagen Caddy van with a yellow plate leaving the club, traveling through Cabinteely and Poolbeg to Ringsend. Gardaí seized the van, finding white spirit bottles with Cervi's fingerprints and DNA from the passenger seat and handbrake. Additional footage depicted Cervi traveling to the van on a distinctive bike and returning later that day. The trial was adjourned overnight. Gerard Cervi pleaded not guilty.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Fingerprint and DNA evidence links accused to gunman's van, State tells Bray Boxing club murder trial. Charges or matters: the murder charge and not guilty to the attempted murders of Pete Taylor and Ian Britton on the same occasion. Procedural stage: trial

When:

• June 5, 2018 Hearing Or Sentence
• June 5 Other
• 2023-10-04 Publication

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Stage Trial Violent Crime

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Read the original CNI report