AN INQUEST INTO the murder of two men in Dublin five years ago has been told that a 20-year-old apprentice plumber was shot dead to stop him from identifying the other man’s killers.

Anthony Campbell, 20, was killed in December 2006 in the same incident that claimed the life of Martin ‘Marlo’ Hyland, a well-known gangland figure.

RTÉ News reports how the inquest was told that Campbell – who was working as a plumber for the Christmas period to earn some extra holiday money – was due to have worked at Hyland’s house in Finglas on the previous night, but that the appointment had been moved.

Hyland’s brother Willie told the inquest he that Hyland knew his life was in danger, and was not eating properly in the days up to his death.

The Irish Examiner adds that Gardaí told the inquest their investigations had stalled despite the arrest of 14 people and over 800 inquries.

State pathologist Dr Marie Cassidy said Campbell had died from a single gunshot wound to the head, having raised his arms in defence. Hyland had been shot six times while he slept, 98fm reported.

Verdicts of unlawful killing were returned in both cases.