Man charged over Ryan killing

Family and friends of murdered Real IRA boss Alan Ryan heckled a second suspect as he was charged in relation to the killing.

Family and friends of murdered Real IRA boss Alan Ryan heckled a second suspect as he was charged in relation to the killing.

Security was tight in Dublin District Court as Robbie Carroll appeared on a charge of withholding information in connection with Ryan’s death.

Six gardaí surrounded the 27-year-old as he sat behind a glass screen next to Ryan’s family and associates.

They shouted “scumbag” before being escorted from the court where they confronted Mr Carroll’s friends.

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Judge William Early called three of the men — including Ryan’s brother Dermot — back into court where he warned they would be jailed for contempt of court if they repeated the outburst.

The case was adjourned to Cloverhill Courthouse next Wednesday when Mr Carroll will reappear with Dublin man Thomas Hunt who was charged with the same offence yesterday in a closed hearing.

Garda Alan Roche told the court Mr Carroll, of Ard Cluain, Clonee, Co Meath, made no reply when charged at Coolock Garda Station last night.

The garda said there was strong evidence against the accused, including a large amount of CCTV, telephone and computer analysis and fingerprints.

Despite objections to bail over fears he could flee the jurisdiction, Carroll was freed pending the payment of a bond of €300  and independent surety of €30,000 euro.

Garda Roche said Mr Carroll changed his address frequently, lived in hotels and often left the country.

However Jenny McGeever, defending, said her client was entitled to the presumption of innocence and during his seven days of questioning denied any involvement with the crime.

She said he has a child and parents in Ireland, and had been entitled to leave the country, including for a kickboxing championship in February.

“Of course it is a serious allegation. My client denies this allegation in its entirety,” she added.

Judge Early granted bail on condition that Mr Carroll surrenders his passport and does not apply for a new one, signs on at a garda station daily, and stays at an address given to the court.

He must also give gardaí a mobile number and not contact witnesses directly or indirectly.

Mr Carroll was granted legal aid.

Ryan was shot dead on September 3rd while walking with an associate on Grange Lodge Avenue, Clongriffin, north Dublin.

The 32-year-old’s Real IRA faction was involved in extortion and intimidation of drug dealers and racketeering against pub and club owners.