Pub customers 'cowered in fear' as businessman brandished imitation firearm

Accused had a severe dependency on cocaine and alcohol at the time, court told

CCTV played in court showed customers in the pub 'cowering in fear' as Damien Byrne, 44, indiscriminately pointed what they believed to be a 'deadly weapon'.

A car valet business owner was in the throes of cocaine and alcohol abuse when he brandished an imitation pistol in a crowded pub, a court has heard.

Judge Melanie Greally said CCTV played in court showed customers in the pub “cowering in fear” as Damien Byrne, 44, indiscriminately pointed what they believed to be a “deadly weapon”.