Collopy family member jailed for intimidating witness

A member of the notorious Collopy family from Limerick has been jailed for five years with the final two years suspended, for intimidating another “criminal” witness who had made a statement against two of his brothers.

Vincent Collopy, aged 36, St Mary’s Park, pleaded guilty at Limerick Circuit Court to intimidating, threatening or putting in fear Willie Moran on June 9, 2010, with the intention of perverting the course of justice.

A nolle prosequi was entered on a charge against Mr Collopy of threatening to kill or cause serious harm to Mr Moran, on the same date.

Mr Moran “was known as a criminal associate of the Collopy brothers” — who operated a drug gang in Limerick city — however both parties had “fallen out”, the court heard.

The leaders of the Collopy gang, Brian and Kieran Collopy, brothers of Vincent Collopy, were last week jailed for a total of 16 years for selling heroin.

“There was 24-hour Garda protection put on the family out of fears for their safety,” John O’Sullivan, prosecuting, said. He said the Morans “are still in fear” of the accused and his family.