A man described as the chief witness to a gangland killing in Limerick has withdrawn his "crucial statement", a court has heard.
Erol Ibrahim (18), formerly of Moyross in Limerick city, appeared before Limerick District Court yesterday on foot of three bench warrants issued for his arrest.
The court was told the teenager fled the country with the assistance of gardaí after witnessing the murder of Frankie Ryan who was shot dead in a gangland killing in Moyross on September 17th last year.
It is alleged Mr Ibrahim was sitting in the car with Mr Ryan when a lone gunman shot him.
John Devane, defending, told the court that his client was advised by gardaí "to take himself out of Limerick" because he had given a crucial statement at the time in relation to the murder.
"Mr Ibrahim fled the country with the assistance of gardaí who knew where he was in England," said Mr Devane.
The court heard that Mr Ibrahim has since withdrawn his statement about the killing of Mr Ryan.
He was arrested on foot of three outstanding bench warrants last Saturday night after presenting himself to gardaí in Limerick, the court heard.
Mr Devane said his client was anxious to plead guilty to all matters before the court yesterday.
One of these offences related to an incident on July 15th last year when the defendant failed to stop for a garda who spotted him speeding on the Roxboro Road in Limerick.
Judge Tom O'Donnell jailed the 18-year-old for four months on this charge and for a second offence under the Public Order Act.