'Tiger kidnapping' accused was offered place in witness protection programme

Gardaí investigating a €2.28m "tiger kidnapping" offered a place on the witness protection programme to one of the two men now accused of taking part in the robbery, it has emerged today.

David Byrne (aged 39), of Old Brazeel Way, Knocksedan, Swords, and Niall Byrne (aged 29), of Crumlin Road Flats, Crumlin Road are alleged to have been members of a gang that held Paul Richardson, a Securicor worker, and his family hostage as part of a raid in March 2005.