Courts / Wicklow / Report

Cervi jailed for life for murdering innocent dad-of-three in notorious Bray Boxing Club shooting

Summary

At the appeal stage, Gerard Cervi was found guilty of murdering Robert 'Bobby' Messett (50) at Bray Boxing Club, Bray Harbour, Co Wicklow on June 5, 2018. Cervi had pleaded not guilty to the murder charge and also to the attempted murders of Mr Taylor and Ian Britton on the same date and at the same location. However, a jury unanimously found him guilty of the murder of Mr Messett, despite acquitting him of the attempted murder charges. Following today's hearing, Mr Justice Karen O'Connor sentenced Cervi to life imprisonment. The victim's children, Demi and Gary Messett, addressed the court during the sentencing hearing, expressing their grief and frustration over the senseless nature of the crime. No motive was ever advanced for the shooting, and it was confirmed that Mr Messett was not the target. Cervi, who has been in custody for over five years since his arrest in September 2018, was convicted last week after two trials lasting a combined 17 weeks over a two-year period. The matter was adjourned at the appeal stage and was never described as concluded or finalised.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Cervi jailed for life for murdering innocent dad-of-three in notorious Bray Boxing Club shooting. Charges or matters: murdering Robert 'Bobby' Messett (50) at Bray Boxing Club, Bray Harbour, Co Wicklow on June 5, 2018; 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; attempting to murder MrTaylor and Mr Brittion but a jury acquitted him of those charges. Procedural stage: appeal. Findings: Found guilty

When:

• June 5, 2018 Hearing Or Sentence
• September 2018 Incident
• December 2022 Hearing Or Sentence
• 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
• 2023-12-01 Publication

Why: " No motive was ever advanced for why Gerard Cervi entered Bray Boxing Club at about 6. CNI source report

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Stage Appeal Violent Crime

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Read the original CNI report