Man regrets role in pub killing

A man involved in the killing of a father-of-three in Grumpy Jack's pub in Dublin has told a trial it was the worst mistake of his life.

Joey O'Brien is the key witness against Peter Kenny of McCarthy’s Terrace, Rialto, Christopher Zambra of Galtymore Road, Drimnagh, Damien Johnston of Cashel Avenue, Crumlin and Bernard Hempenstall from Park Terrace in The Coombe, who all deny murdering John Carroll, who was gunned down in on February 18, 2009.

On his sixth day in the witness box, it was put to Joey O'Brien that he must be ruthless and callous to kill a stranger for €8,500.

He denied the accusation and said he had gotten involved because he needed the money to clear a debt. He called it the worst mistake of his life.

He has told the jury his role was to burn the motorbike used to bring the gunman to and from Grumpy Jack's bar where John Carroll was shot.

Mr O'Brien has been granted immunity from prosecution in exchange for his evidence, which is now being tested by lawyers for Christopher Zambra - who, the prosecution alleges, is the ringleader behind the murder.

It was put to Mr O'Brien that he has a history of violence, that he was a major mover in the killing and that the money he says he received would be worth about two hours in the bookmakers for him.