Man hit by 14 bullets ‘had false passport’

A MAN who fled Limerick after he survived 14 bullet wounds in a machinegun attack, was found with a false passport hours after he arrived back in the city from Britain, a court heard.

John Creamer, 33, who formerly lived in O’Malley Park, Southill was brought before Limerick District Court yesterday for obstructing a garda. Creamer was badly wounded in a notorious broad day light machine gun attack seven years ago when he was hit in the head and upper body by 14 bullets.

Medical sources said it was the first time they had seen a man survive such wounds. Reports at that time revealed that the gang members who shot him subsequently went to America to brush up on their shooting on rifle ranges in Florida.

Detective Garda David Baynham told yesterday’s court hearing that on July 3, he went to the Absolute Hotel with a warrant to search a room. On going to a room he found Creamer.

Det Gda Baynham found an Irish passport with Creamer’s picture, but in the name of Johnny McNamara. The passport was not a forgery. When asked about it, Creamer told Det Gda Baynham: “I was shot at with a machinegun and I have to be careful how I travel.”

Creamer obstructed the garda, but it was more of a technical nature, the court heard. Det Gda Baynham said Creamer would still be under threat.

Judge Tom O’Donnell imposed a six month suspended sentence for obstructing the officer. The judge directed the passport should be forfeited.