Murder trial under way in Cork

A jury will hear that a 42-year-old father of five shot dead on a quiet country road in Co Cork last year had been in dispute with the accused for a period of time, a murder trial was told today.

Michael Collins (29) of Upper Kilmona, Grenagh, Co Cork denies the murder of Patrick ‘Packie’ Hogan at Glen Road, Ballynaraha, Blarney on Sunday, February 10th, 2011.

Mr Collins also denies possession of a .22 inch Hornet Rhoner rifle and possession of nine rolls of .22 inch Hornet rounds with intent to endanger life on the same date.

Opening the case before a jury of four men and eight women at the Central Criminal Court sitting in Cork, prosecution counsel, Tim O’Leary outlined the evidence the state will present.

He said the jury will hear that gardaí were aware of a dispute between Mr Collins and Mr Hogan.

When they heard Mr Hogan was shot, gardaí went to Mr Collins’s home. He wasn’t at home at the time but he later returned home through the fields and he was later arrested by gardaí for questioning about the killing, he said.

They will also hear evidence from deputy state pathologist, Dr Michael Curtis that Mr Hogan died as a result of a gunshot wound to the chest area.

They will hear evidence from witness, Patrick O’Brien, who was with Mr Hogan, that a shot was fired through the windscreen of the car they were travelling in on the Glen Road.

Mr O’Brien will give evidence that Mr Hogan - despite having been shot - managed to get out of the car and they tried to get away but unfortunately Mr Hogan passed away, he said.

They will also hear evidence of garda interviews with Mr Collins where he made admissions in relation to the case but not in relation to any of the offences with which he is charged.

They will hear that Mr Collins admitted that he fired shots at the scene but that he said the shots were designed to scare or warn Mr Hogan, added Mr O’Leary. The case continues.