A Limerick man due to go on trial for murder was freed in the Central Criminal Court yesterday.
Mr John Creamer (28) was charged with the murder of Mr John Keane at a house in O'Malley Park, Southill, Limerick on July 5th, 1996. He was also charged with possession of a shotgun with intent to endanger life on July 5th, 1996 at O'Malley Park.
Yesterday, on behalf of the DPP, Mr Patrick Gageby SC said the State wished to enter a nolle prosequi on all counts on the indictment against Mr Creamer. He asked that Mr Creamer be discharged from custody. While the reasons for the DPP's decision were not disclosed in court, it is understood the death of the garda who arrested Mr Creamer in a traffic accident earlier this year was crucial. The evidence of an arresting officer is regarded as vital to a prosecution case, said sources yesterday.
The victim was a moneylender who was shot outside his home. The trial was delayed a number of times due to difficulties with the availability of witnesses.