A Limerick man accused of murdering his wife's lover told gardai that moments after the shooting he got a phone call from his son who said "that's taken care of," to which he replied: "That's grand", a jury in the Central Criminal Court was told yesterday. Mr Patrick Brennan (54), of St Ida's Street, St Mary's Park, Limerick pleaded not guilty to the murder of Mr Sean Colbert (53), of Lenihan Avenue, Prospect, Limerick, a father of eight, who was killed outside his home on August 9th, 1996.
Previously prosecution counsel, Mr John Edwards SC, told the court the accused had procured the death of Mr Colbert.
Det Garda Pat Cox of Roxboro Road Garda Station, Limerick, told the court Mr Brennan made the remarks in a statement. Det Garda Cox said the accused told gardai "as far as I was concerned, they were to get Seany Colbert for me".
He allegedly told gardai that shortly after 2 a.m. on the night of the shooting a friend of Mr Brennan's daughter left his house and he subsequently received a call from his son, Andrew. After that night, Mr Brennan allegedly told gardai he met his son Andrew and another man to discuss the shooting.
In cross-examination, defence counsel Mr Paul McDermott SC put it to Det Garda Cox that the accused was told by gardai if he made a statement, he would be "looked after".
Det Garda Cox denied the allegation.
The trial before Mr Justice Barr and a jury of nine men and three women continues today.