Man is charged with knife murder

A MAN appeared in court yesterday charged with the murder of a 20-year-old suspected drug dealer more than two years ago.

Brian Rattigan, aged 23, of Cooley Road, Drimnagh, Dublin, appeared before Dublin District Court charged with the murder of Declan Gavin, who was stabbed to death outside a shopping centre in South Dublin in August, 2001.

Sergeant Joseph O’Hara, Sundrive Road station, told the court that when cautioned he was being charged with the murder of Mr Gavin, Mr Rattigan replied: “No. Dirty f***ing rat.”

He was cautioned at 5am yesterday at the Bridewell station after directions were received from the Director of Public Prosecutions.

The accused, wearing a track suit, said nothing during his appearance and was remanded in custody to appear next Thursday at Clover Hill District Court.

He was given leave to apply for legal aid.

He is accused of stabbing Mr Gavin, of Mourne Road, Drimnagh, at a bus stop outside Crumlin Shopping Centre.