LAST UPDATE | 16 Nov

A MAN CHARGED with the murder of another man in Limerick 17 years ago told gardaí “no problem” when they arrested him yesterday in connection with the killing, a court heard.

Darragh Quinlivan, (41), originally from the southside of Limerick City, but who has been living in the greater Manchester area of the United Kingdom for a number of years, was brought before a special sitting of Limerick District court today.

Detective Garda Eoin McDonagh, Roxboro Road Garda Station, Limerick City, told the court he arrested Mr Quinlivan at 6.6pm Friday at “Shannon Airport, for the purposes of charge in relation to the murder of Noel Campion on the 26th of April, 2007”.

Detective Garda McDonagh told the court that in response to being arrested in relation to the murder, Mr Quinlivan stated, “no problem” and he was conveyed to Henry Street Garda Station.

Detective Garda McDonagh said that later, at 7.15pm on Friday night, he charged Mr Quinlivan with the murder of Noel Campion.

The charge sheet in the case states that Mr Quinlivan did allegedly murder Mr Campion at the junction of the High Road and the L1066, Thomondgate, Limerick, on April 26th, 2007.

Mr Campion, a 34-year old father of three from Pineview Gardens, Moyross, Limerick, had criminal convictions, including for armed robbery for which he was sentenced to 14 years in prison.

Mr Campion had appeared before Limerick District court a fortnight prior to his murder where he paid €4,500 for the return of six horses he had been keeping in illegal circumstances.

Mr Campion was a pillion passenger on a motorbike that was traveling through Thomondgate at the time he was gunned down by a male at the junction of High Road and Inglewood Terrace, Thomondgate, on the morning in question.

Detective Garda McDonagh said Mr Quinlivan “made no reply” after he was charged with the murder and cautioned that anything he said in response could be taken down and used as evidence in a court.

Mr Quinlivan stood in the dock throughout the brief hearing at courtroom number six, holding one of his hands over his face.

Judge Patricia Harney granted “a section 56 order”, which was sought by Mr Quinlivan’s solicitor, that any recordings of Garda interviews with the accused be furnished to his legal representatives.

Mr Quinlivan’s solicitor, Sarah Ryan, said she was not making any bail application. Applications for bail on murder charges can only be made before the High Court.

Mr Quinlivan, who wore a black tracksuit with a white trim, did not speak during the court hearing.

A large contingent of gardai were present inside the court as were members of the victim’s family.

Inspector Fergal Hanrahan, Roxboro Road Garda Station, asked the court that the accused be remanded in custody pending the service of a Book of Evidence.

Judge Harney granted the application and remanded Mr Quinlivan in custody to appear via video-link before Limerick District Court, next Tuesday, November 19th.

There were verbal outbursts from a number of people sitting in the body of the courtroom as Mr Quinlivan was being led away by prison officers to be held in custody on remand.