Eight Years For Witness Intimidation

A 38-year-old father-of-three has been jailed for eight years for intimidating a witness in an upcoming criminal law trial.

Brian Collopy, with addresses in St Senan's Street, St Mary's Park, Limerick, and at Ballysimon, Co Limerick, pleaded not guilty to obstructing, perverting or interfering with the course of justice, in June last year.

The court heard that Collopy had held his hand in the shape of a gun aiming it at the witness when both parties were driving past each other on a street in Limerick.

The prosecution said the allegations included a shouted threat by Collopy at the witness, who was known to him, while driving along Island Road. He then pointing his hand at him in the shape of a gun in St Mary's Park.

The prosecution added that Collopy "had a certain intent" because the witness was "essential" to the upcoming court proceedings involving people known to Collopy.

During Brian Collopy's sentencing hearing, Defence Counsel Michael Collins said his client continued to protest his innocence and was "more a victim of prejudice than truth".

However, the court heard Moran took the threat seriously and he and his wife have been under 24/7 garda protection since July last year.

The defence said there was no actual violence in the offence and no weapon used while a doctor's letter was submitted to the court stating Collopy is on five different medications for a heart condition.

In sentencing Collopy to the eight year term, Judge Carroll Moran said the offence was "an attack on the administration of justice" and that it was "hard to imagine a more serious offence".

(DW)