Murder trial accused 'was getaway driver'
The Central Criminal Court has heard that a man accused in connection with a murder in a Dublin bookmaker's shop over a year ago was allegedly the getaway driver for the gunman who carried out the killing.
Liam Bolger (aged 23), of Homelawn Gardens in Tallaght has pleaded not guilty to murdering Christopher Barry (aged 25), at Byrne's Bookmakers on Killester Avenue in Donnycarney on the afternoon of Saturday, September 13, 2008.
Counsel for the prosecution, Mr Paddy McCarthy SC, told the jury of six women and six men that the killing was “a cold, calculated, organised and planned assassination of Christopher Barry".
Mr McCarthy said the deceased was shot nine times shortly after he arrived at the bookmakers at about 3pm.
The jury heard that the gunman arrived at the scene on motorbike, went into the bookies, “isolated” Mr Barry who tried to run away from him, and shot him repeatedly.
The gunman then left the scene on the motorbike and travelled a short distance to La Vista Avenue where he set the bike on fire, before getting into a white Renault van which Mr McCarthy alleged was driven by the accused.
It is the State's case that Mr Bolger was involved in a “joint enterprise or common design” and that he shares responsibility for the actions committed.
