Courts / Wicklow / Report
Jury finds Cervi guilty of murder over notorious Bray Boxing Club shooting
Summary
Gerard Cervi has been found guilty of murdering Robert 'Bobby' Messett at the Bray Boxing Club in Co Wicklow on June 5, 2018. The Central Criminal Court jury unanimously accepted the prosecution's case that Cervi fired nine shots into the gym, killing the 50-year-old father of three. However, Cervi was acquitted of the alleged attempted murders of boxing coach Pete Taylor and Ian Britton, who were injured during the same incident. Cervi, who has no previous convictions, had pleaded not guilty to all charges. Following the verdict, Ms Justice Karen O'Connor remanded Cervi in custody until December 1, when she will hand down the mandatory sentence of life imprisonment. On that date, the Messett family will also have the opportunity to make a statement regarding the impact of the death. The judge offered her condolences to the family, praising their dignity throughout the trial. This verdict concludes a two-year period involving two trials that lasted a combined 17 weeks. The first trial collapsed in 2021 due to juror illness, while the second trial faced significant pre-trial legal issues. In a related procedural matter, the Court of Appeal previously considered Cervi's bail application, noting the difficulty of the case but ultimately keeping him in custody as a trial date was secured.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Jury finds Cervi guilty of murder over notorious Bray Boxing Club shooting. 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: appeal
When:
- June 5, 2018 Hearing Or Sentence
- December 1 Adjournment
- December 2022 Incident
- October 4th Hearing Or Sentence
- June 29, 2021 Hearing Or Sentence
- August 24 Hearing Or Sentence
- October 22 Hearing Or Sentence
- September 6 Hearing Or Sentence
- 2023-11-24 Publication
Why: The defendant has no previous convictions and the prosecution did not elucidate a motive for the crime. Prosecution account reported by CNI
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
Outcome: A sentence hearing for the defendant will take place on December 1, when Ms Justice O'Connor will hand down the mandatory sentence of life imprisonment to Cervi.; She remanded him in custody until that date.
Places mentioned
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