Man goes on trial for ordering Dublin murder

A 38-year-old Dublin man has gone on trial accused of ordering a killing in a Dublin city pub four years ago.

Christopher Zambra, of Galtymore Road, Drimnagh, has pleaded not guilty to murdering John Carroll (33) on February 18th, 2009, at Grumpy Jacks pub in the Coombe.

The Central Criminal Court jury has heard it is not alleged that Mr Zambra himself shot Mr Carroll, but that he organised it.

Patrick Gageby SC, prosecuting, said yesterday the prosecution case was that Mr Zambra offered money for the killing of Mr Carroll and was therefore at the centre of the criminal operation.

Mr Gageby explained that Mr Carroll was in the pub at about 9.30 that night when a motorbike pulled up outside. The passenger, wearing a helmet, went inside and immediately identified Mr Carroll.

“He had a pistol, probably a Glock, and shot John Carroll, who then darted to escape,” Mr Gageby said in his opening speech. “He didn’t succeed and was shot a number of times.”

The court heard that gunman left on the back of the motorcycle and that Mr Carroll was taken to hospital where he died.

The jury was told that CCTV of the shooting would be shown.

Mr Gageby explained that the evidence in the case centred on that of a man called Joseph O’Brien.

“Joseph O’Brien was part of and privy to discussions with Christopher Zambra at which John Carroll’s murder was planned, and also to the selection by Mr Zambra of the person who wielded the gun,” he said.

Evidence of accomplice
Mr Gageby explained that Joseph O'Brien was an accomplice at whom the jury would have to look very carefully. He also said that the DPP had directed that nothing Mr O'Brien would say in evidence could be used against him.

“This prosecution case is dependent on someone who is an accomplice or participant and who has a form of immunity,” he said.

The trial before Mr Justice Patrick McCarthy and a jury of eight women and four men is expected to last between four and six weeks.