Kildare murder trial hears man witnessed best friend being shot dead by masked gunman on bike

A man has told a Kildare murder trial that he witnessed his best friend being shot dead by a masked gunman on a bike.

James Lammon of Cardington Way in Athy denies shooting 22-year-old Jason Doogue outside a house in Athy on August 21 last year.

Calvin Cullen described Jason Doogue as one of his best friends. He said he was like a brother to him.

On the day of the shooting, he told the jury he witnessed an argument between him and the accused Jimmy Lammon.

He said he heard Mr Lammon tell his alleged victim that he was going to get him that night.

He and his friends were outside his house in Greenhills at around 5 o’clock that evening when he said he saw someone coming up the hill on a bike.

He said Jason Doogue was sitting on a wall when the man, who was dressed all in black and had his face covered, pulled a black gun with a silver silencer from the waistband of his trousers and opened fire.

Mr. Doogue was shot three times.

Afterwards, Mr Cullen said the gunman just cycled off casually as if he had not done anything.

The trial continues.