Limerick crime figure dies after accidental shooting

A well-known Limerick crime figure has died in hospital overnight after shooting himself at the weekend.

Twenty-nine-year-old Philip Collopy was discovered at his home in St Munchin's Street, St Mary's Park, with a gunshot wound to his head in the early hours of Saturday morning.

Gardaí are treating his death as accidental.

Mr Collopy is believed to have been inspecting a handgun when it discharged.

He was on life-support at the Mid-Western Regional Hospital until his death last night.

The 29-year-old made headlines recently when he gave evidence at a trial in Limerick and showed the jury a bullet-proof vest he was wearing, claiming his life was constantly under threat.

He had previous convictions for possession of a weapon, assault and escaping from custody.