Accused to stand trial over alleged death threat

A man who was extradited from Bulgaria to face charges of threatening to kill a key State witness has been sent forward for trial to the Circuit Criminal Court.

Vincent Collopy (35) of St Ita's Street, St Mary's Park, Limerick, was returned to Ireland last month on foot of a European arrest warrant, issued three years ago.

He is charged with threatening to kill prosecution witness Willie Moran and intimidating a witness.

The offences are alleged to have occurred at Island Road, Limerick on June 9th, 2010.

In 2011, Mr Collopy’s brothers Kieran and Damian, of St Ita’s Street, St Mary’s Park, Limerick, were each jailed for five years for threatening to kill or cause serious harm to Willie Moran on April 14th, 2010. They alleged that Mr Moran owed up to €5,000 to their late brother Philip, who accidentally shot himself in the head in March 2009.

Garda protection

Earlier this month Vincent Collopy was granted bail at Limerick District Court despite Garda objections. During the bail hearing, the court was told Mr Moran was under 24-hour Garda protection until 12 months ago and this is under review.

The court also heard Vincent Collopy has lived in the United Kingdom and Bulgaria and holidayed in Spain since he left Ireland four years ago, but has always travelled under his own passport.

Bail was granted on several conditions including that Mr Collopy stays away from Mr Moran.

Yesterday at Limerick District Court the book of evidence was served.

Insp Dermot O'Connor said the Director of Public Prosecutions had advised that Mr Collopy be sent forward for trial to the next sitting of the Circuit Criminal Court on July 29th.

Judge O’Kelly remanded the accused on continuing bail of his own bond of €5,000 and an independent surety of €9,000.