Garda weeps as he tells of Tallaght station fire

A Garda wept in court today as he described the last moments of Sgt Andrew Callanan's life.

Garda John Malone was telling how Sgt Callanan died after a fire at Tallaght Garda Station on July 21, 1999.

Daniel O'Toole of Cashel Avenue, Crumlin, denies the murder of Sgt Callanan, a native of Thurles.

Gda Malone told how the accused entered the public area of the station carrying two containers of petrol and a sword.

He said the containers had been pierced and were leaking petrol everywhere.

The accused then lit two flares, which caused an explosion and fire, he said.

Gda Malone broke down as he described how he attempted to save Sgt Callanan, who was on the other side of a door that could not be opened.

He said that Sgt Callanan was curled up on the ground when they eventually found his body.