Man accused of Christmas killing granted bail

A man accused of murdering Mr Jason Ryan, of Harelawn Park, Clondalkin, Dublin, on Christmas night has been granted £31,000 bail…

A man accused of murdering Mr Jason Ryan, of Harelawn Park, Clondalkin, Dublin, on Christmas night has been granted £31,000 bail by the High Court.

Mr Justice O'Sullivan told Mr Christopher Boylan (30), of St Michael's Estate, Inchicore, Dublin, that he would accept a lodgement of £10,000 cash with his mother as surety for a further £20,000 and his own bail of £1,000.

Det Sgt Gerard Kelly said Mr Ryan had been standing with a group of friends in Clondalkin when Mr Boylan arrived in a car. A "digging match" broke out and when Mr Ryan ran away he shouted back at Mr Boylan: "You have stabbed me in the heart, you bastard."

He said that Mr Boylan replied: "The next time I see you I'll carve my name on your chest." Mr Ryan collapsed and was found to be dead on admission to hospital. He had a stab wound in the heart.

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Sgt Kelly told Mr Brendan Mulhall, counsel for the DPP, that gardai were aware who they were looking for, and Mr Boylan had gone to Ballyfermot gardai on December 27th.

He said that a female witness to the alleged murder had since been assaulted by Mr Boylan's brother, Stephen, who was now out on bail after being charged in the District Court with the assault. He feared witnesses might be further intimidated if Mr Boylan was granted bail.

Sgt Kelly said the witness had been threatened by Stephen Boylan that he would kill her.

He told Ms Marie Torrens, counsel for Mr Boylan, that her client had not made any statements admitting responsibility for the murder.

Sgt Kelly said that Mr Boylan's car had been found parked in St Michael's Estate. It had been professionally valeted so as to obliterate any trace which might connect Mr Boylan with the murder scene, he believed.

Mr Justice O'Sullivan released Mr Boylan on condition that he report daily to Ballyfermot gardai, that he give an undertaking not to interfere with any witness or have anyone do so on his behalf, and that he live with his mother in Rossmore Avenue, Ballyfermot.