Courts / Wicklow / Report
Not an 'iota' of evidence to identify Bray Boxing club accused as gunman, defence barrister says
Summary
In a trial for the 2018 shooting at Bray Boxing Club, defence barrister Hugh Hartnett SC argued that there is no evidence linking his client, Gerard Cervi, to the gunman. He highlighted alleged lies by Garda officers, potential investigative "corner cutting," and questioned the reliability of CCTV and forensic evidence. Hartnett noted that Cervi had no criminal background and that witnesses' descriptions of the shooter's height did not match Cervi's. He also pointed out that a known drug dealer, who admitted to using the van implicated in the case, had no evidence of drug paraphernalia in the vehicle. Hartnett concluded that the prosecution's case fell short of proof beyond a reasonable doubt and urged the jury to acquit Cervi on all four counts. The judge, Ms Justice Karen O'Connor, charged the jury on matters of law. Gerard Cervi pleaded not guilty.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Not an 'iota' of evidence to identify Bray Boxing club accused as gunman, defence barrister says. Charges or matters: murdering Robert 'Bobby' Messett at Bray Boxing Club, Bray Harbour, Co Wicklow on June 5, 2018; the attempted murders of Mr Taylor and Ian Britton on the same date and at the same location. Procedural stage: trial
When:
- June 5, 2018 Hearing Or Sentence
- 2023-11-16 Publication
Why: Mr Hartnett told the jury of six men and six women that his client has no motive for the attack, no background in crime and there is not an "iota" of evidence to identify him as the gunman. CNI source report
Case subjects
Defendant
Charges: murdering Robert 'Bobby' Messett at Bray Boxing Club, Bray Harbour, Co Wicklow on June 5, 2018; the attempted murders of Mr Taylor and Ian Britton on the same date and at the same location (Alleged Or Contested)
Plea: Not guilty
Places mentioned
Topics
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