Garda had man at gunpoint in attic, trial told

A garda has told the Roy Collins murder trial that he pointed a gun at one of the accused men when he found him hiding under insulation in an attic.

Garda Noel Nash was giving evidence to the Special Criminal Court yesterday in the trial of two Limerick men charged with murdering the businessman on April 9th, 2009.

Wayne Dundon (36), of Lenihan Avenue, Prospect and Nathan Killeen (24) of Hyde Road, Prospect have both pleaded not guilty to the murder of 35-year-old Roy Collins at Coin Castle Amusements, Roxboro Road Shopping Centre, Limerick.

The non-jury court has heard Mr Collins was at work when a gunman entered his amusement arcade and shot him in the chest. The prosecution claims Wayne Dundon directed the murder from prison, Nathan Killeen was the getaway driver and a third man was the gunman.

Garda Nash said he was not carrying a firearm when he searched a house in Crecora Avenue later that day, but was given his partner’s gun when he spotted Mr Killeen in the attic.

“When I looked for assistance, Sgt O’Neill handed me his weapon. It was at that point I raised the gun and pointed it at Nathan Killeen.”

Gda Nash said the gun was never in contact with Mr Killeen and that the last time he had fired a weapon was during his training in 1998.

The trial continues before three judges, presided over by Ms Justice Iseult O’Malley.