Hitman accused denies Ricin plot

A former Las Vegas poker dealer accused of conspiring with a Clare woman to kill her partner and his two sons told gardai he didn’t know how a contact lens case that tested positive for Ricin came to be in his cell at Limerick prison a jury at the Central Criminal Court has heard.

A former Las Vegas poker dealer accused of conspiring with a Clare woman to kill her partner and his two sons told gardaí he did not know how a contact lens case that tested positive for Ricin came to be in his cell at Limerick prison, a jury at the Central Criminal Court has heard.

Mr Essam Eid (aged 52), an Egyptian man with a Las Vegas address and Ms Sharon Collins (aged 45), with an address at Ballybeg House, Kildysart Road Ennis have pleaded not guilty to conspiring to kill P.J., Robert and Niall Howard between August 1, 2006 and September 26, 2006.