Courts / Wicklow / Report
State defends use of social media photos in Bray Boxing Club shooter's trial
Summary
Lawyers for the State defended the use of social media photos showing the Bray Boxing Club shooter holding a gun as evidence in his trial. Gerard Cervi was found guilty of murdering Robert Bobby' Messett and was sentenced to life imprisonment. His appeal argued that Facebook photos and CCTV footage should not have been shown to the jury. The State's counsel, Paul Murray SC, defended the admissibility of the photos, stating they showed Cervi's familiarity with guns. He also addressed concerns about the CCTV footage, noting that the judge gave clear directions to the jury. Cervi's counsel argued that the jury should have been given more warnings about identifying him from the footage. The court reserved judgment on the appeal. Gerard Cervi pleaded not guilty.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: State defends use of social media photos in Bray Boxing Club shooter's trial. Charges or matters: murdering Mr Messett at Bray Boxing Club, Bray Harbour, Co Wicklow on June 5, 2018; the attempted murders of Pete Taylor and Ian Britton on the same date and at the same location; Mr Messett's murder by a unanimous jury verdict after two trials lasting a combined 17 weeks over a two-year period and was sentenced to the mandatory term of life imprisonment in December 2023. Procedural stage: sentence. Findings: Found guilty
When:
- June 5, 2018 Hearing Or Sentence
- December 2023 Other
- 2026-05-12 Publication
Why: No motive was ever advanced for why Cervi entered Bray Boxing Club at about 6. CNI source report
Case subjects
Accused
Charges: murdering Mr Messett at Bray Boxing Club, Bray Harbour, Co Wicklow on June 5, 2018; the attempted murders of Pete Taylor and Ian Britton on the same date and at the same location; Mr Messett's murder by a unanimous jury verdict after two trials lasting a combined 17 weeks over a two-year period and was sentenced to the mandatory term of life imprisonment in December 2023 (Proven)
Plea: Not guilty
Finding: Found guilty
Outcome: Found guilty; Gerard Cervi is serving a life sentence for the murder of Robert Bobby' Messett.
Places mentioned
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