The Special Criminal Court has heard that a man accused of helping the gang behind the murder of David Byrne told Gardai that his taxi may have been “cloned”.
It is the prosecution’s case that Paul Murphy, of Cherry Avenue in Swords, Dublin, allowed his taxi to be used as a getaway car after the Regency Hotel attack.
Gerry Hutch is on trial for David Byrne’s murder.
Two others are accused of facilitating the murder by making certain vehicles available to those responsible.
Today, the court heard one of them, Paul Murphy (61), told Gardai he bought a Toyota Avensis off Gerry Hutch’s brother, Eddie, who was shot dead a few days after the Regency attack.
On the day of the shooting, he said he arranged to meet Eddie, but he claimed he never showed up.
It is the prosecution’s case that Mr Murphy was involved in the transporting of certain individuals prior to and subsequent to the murder.
It’s claimed his taxi, a gold/green Toyota Avensis, was one of the getaway cars.
The court heard it would be alleged that fare receipts from his taxi didn’t corroborate the account he gave Gardai of his movements on the day.
Mr Murphy denies the charge and the admissibility of the testimony heard today is being challenged by the defence.
