'Head of Dundon McCarthy gang' refused bail on threat-to-kill charge
A man who allegedly received a death threat from the "head of the Dundon McCarthy" criminal gang told gardaí he did not wish to proceed with the matter, a court heard today.
Noel Moore, a well-known Limerick market trader, allegedly told gardaí his daughter in law's brother, Larry McCarthy (aged 37) told him he would shoot him and burn down his house.
Larry McCarthy was refused bail last week.
However, today, before a vacation sitting of Limerick District Court, Larry McCarthy's solicitor, Ted McCarthy, said Mr Moore had contacted Larry McCarthy Snr, informing him he was "not in fear" of his son.
Ted McCarthy said Mr Moore visited gardaí this morning and told them he was not afraid for his life.
The solicitor said this amounted to "significant changes to circumstances" before the court, and asked presiding judge John King, to "reopen the question of bail".
After a short break in proceedings, prosecuting Sergeant John Moloney said he was not aware Mr Moore wanted to withdraw his original alleged statement.
Sgt Moloney said "prosecuting gardaí feel the injured party is still going ahead with the case".
Larry McCarthy Jnr, of Towerlodge, Old Cork Rd, Limerick, who appeared in court wearing a luminous orange rain jacket, is charged with threatening to kill or cause serious harm to Mr Moore on July 28 last, at Mr Moore's home, Windsor House, Donoghmore, Co Limerick.
At a bail hearing in Kilmallock last Thursday, Detective Garda Niall Fitzgerald, Roxboro Road garda station, stated: "Larry McCarthy is the head of the McCarthy Dundon organisation."
"He has known links to criminals around the country and to criminals on an international level," he added.
Det Fitzgerald said Mr Moore told him he was "terrified" of Larry McCarthy.
Det Fitzgerald said he believed Larry McCarthy "posed an immediate and viable threat" to Noel Moore.
"He has ready access to firearms and can carry out the alleged threat he made," Det Fitzgerald said.
"Noel Moore is in fear of his life and he fully believes Larry McCarthy intends to carry out the alleged threat," Det Fitzgerald added.
Ted McCarthy indicated at the outset of today's hearing that, Noel Moore would address the court with evidence that he was not in fear of the accused.
However, when the court regrouped after a short break, Mr Moore was not present in court.
Addressing Judge King, Ted McCarthy said: "I can't understand why Mr Moore isn't here. He was here up to 20 or 30 minutes ago."
Judge King remarked: "Mr Moore obviously made a complaint, which led to the charge".
The judge said he was "not satisfied there were a significant change of circumstances" to re-look at the question of bail.
He remanded Larry McCarthy in custody to appear before Limerick District Court for DPP directions on August 19.
