'Dutchy' Holland released from prison

The man who was named in court as having shot dead journalist Veronica Guerin has been released from prison.

Patrick "Dutchy" Holland has completed his 12-year sentence in Portlaoise Prison for the possession of cannabis.

Sixty-six-year-old Holland, who was a member of the John Gilligan drugs gang, was originally sentenced to 20 years but this was reduced in 1998 to 12 years after he appealed his sentence.

Mr Holland is due to travel to Italy next week where he will undergo a lie-detection test, the results of which are to be made public.

Earlier this week, the RTE editorial board withdrew the invitation to Mr Holland to appear on the Late Late Show.

Mr Holland’s lawyer, Giovanni di Stefano, who has represented Saddam Hussein among others, was also due to appear on the programme.

Garda Marion Cusak, who arrested Mr Holland, stated during his trial that it was her belief that he was the man who shot dead Veronica Guerin on 26 June 1996. He has always denied this.