Larkin trial enters final stages

The trial of a Dublin man accused of attempting to murder a Jordanian man by shooting him in the head at a Leisureplex in Dublin's Blanchardstown has entered its final stages at the Central Criminal Court today.

Mr Shane Murphy SC, prosecuting, told the jury that the chief prosecution witness had ample time to recognise Darren Larkin when he arrived at his place of work in the early hours of February 20, 2006.

Mr Larkin (aged 23) of no fixed address, denies attempting to murder Akef Alquasar during the incident. He also denies two further charges of possession of a firearm and ammunition with intent to endanger life.

Mr Murphy told the jury of six men and six women that this was a case of recognition. Mr Alquasar had worked in the Leisureplex for seven years as security manager and was on duty at the time of the incident.

During his evidence he told the court that he had known Mr Larkin for more than 10 years and had an opportunity of three or four seconds in which to recognise him in a brightly-lit area.

Mr Murphy pointed out that the witness had identified Mr Larkin at the time of the incident and was heard calling him by name by another witness.

Defence counsel Ms Mary Ellen Ring SC cautioned the jury that there was evidence that in the case of visual identifications "the danger of mistake and the consequence of miscarriage of justice is grave."

Ms Ring pointed out that it was entirely possible to fail to recognise even someone known for years if they were out of their usual context. She said that the incident at the Leisureplex took a maximum of 40 seconds and Mr Alquasar's primary concern was to protect himself.

Referring to an earlier witness who had told the court that he heard Mr Alquasar shout of the name "Larkin", she said that the fact that someone was named did not guarantee that they were named correctly.

The trial has been adjourned until Monday when the jury will be charged by Mr Justice Éamon de Valera and begin their deliberations.