Almost 700 statements have been taken in the investigation into the murder of Kieran Keane in Limerick last January, Limerick District Court heard today.
Seven gardaí are working full-time on the case - one of the biggest investigations ever carried out in the city, the court was told.
The details emerged as three men appeared before the court charged with kidnapping Mr Keane on January 29th last - the night he was murdered.
Mr James McCarthy (23), and Mr David Stanners (31), both with addresses at Pineview Gardens, Moyross, and Mr Christopher "Smokey" Costelloe (20) of Moylish Avenue, Ballynanty, are also charged with kidnapping Mr Keane's nephew, Mr Owen Treacy, on the same date.
Gardaí told the court that some 680 statements had been taken as part of the major ongoing investigation and that further charges were likely to follow.
Armed gardaí patrolled the area outside the courthouse during the sitting, which Judge Tom O'Donnell was forced to adjourn temporarily due to disturbances in the courthouse.
Mr Justice O'Donnell further remanded all three in continuing custody to appear before Limerick District Court on May 27th next.