Man shot in petrol station died from his wounds
John Coughlan, aged 33, of Pineview Gardens, Moyross, has pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to the manslaughter of Daniel Treacy, aged 35, at Topaz garage, Caherdavin, Ennis Rd, on Feb 22, 2010.
However, the court was told the plea was not acceptable to the prosecution and a jury was sworn in for the two-week trial.
Yesterday, Deputy State Pathologist Michael Curtis, who carried out an autopsy at the University Hospital Limerick, told the court the cause of death was multiple gunshot wounds.
Dr Curtis said there were four gunshot wounds in total — one to the side of the face, two to the top of the head, and one in the groin.
Mr Treacy was in the garage when Mr Coughlan walked in and shot him three times in the head and once in the groin at close range before driving off, the jury was told.
Yesterday, the jury viewed CCTV of the shooting but Mr Treacy was not visible in any of the footage.
Sergeant Ted Riordan, in charge during Mr Coughlan’s detention at Mayorstone Garda Station, said: “In the circumstances, he was very calm.”
Sgt Riordan agreed with Brian McCartney QC, defending, the accused said he had shoulder pain and was in a car crash six days earlier. Asked about the appearance of mental problems, he said he was not an expert.
In her opening speech Úna Ní Raifeartaigh for the prosecution said Mr Coughlan’s brother Darren was killed in Nov 2005 when he was set upon and beaten by a number of people.
Mr Treacy’s brother was among those convicted and Ms Ní Raifearthaigh told the jury it was the prosecution’s case that this shooting was revenge but she said the defence would say Mr Coughlan was ill and had diminished responsibility.
She said a lot of the facts would not be in dispute as Mr Coughlan admitted the killing but the case would be about his mental state.
The trial continues with Mr Justice Paul Carney presiding.
CONNECT WITH US TODAY
Be the first to know the latest news and updates
