Roy Collins murder trial hears evidence of alleged plan

This report is a localnews.ie summary based on public court reporting and records; sources are listed below.

The Special Criminal Court heard evidence in the murder trial concerning the death of Roy Collins. The proceedings were reported on 12 May 2014.

Gareth Keogh Collins said Nathan Killeen approached him about driving a car for €20,000. He said Nathan Killeen handed him a phone with Wayne Dundon on the line. He described being asked to drive Nathan Killeen to a pub, where Nathan Killeen would go inside and “whack Steve the father”, and then drive him back. Gareth Keogh Collins said he refused and Wayne Dundon threatened him.

The court heard that Gareth Keogh Collins had 12 months remaining on a seven-and-a-half-year prison sentence. He said he first met Wayne Dundon while serving five years for gun possession, when Wayne Dundon was on remand for threatening to kill members of the family of Steve Collins.

Gareth Keogh Collins described Wayne Dundon receiving a ten-year sentence for the threats and vowing that Steve Collins and his family would not get away with it. Michael O’Higgins SC, for the State, said this went to the motive of Wayne Dundon.

Remy Farrell SC challenged the evidence of Gareth Keogh Collins, saying he was lying.

Steve Collins described finding his son on his hands and knees after being shot. He said Roy Collins remained conscious but was in severe pain and had difficulty breathing. Roy Collins said he did not know who had shot him. Gardaí and emergency medical staff described finding and treating Roy Collins before he lost consciousness and died in hospital.

The trial continued before three judges, with Ms Justice Iseult O’Malley presiding.