GARDA SEARCH

Crosby, Michael Bowman BL, said the defendant has been in prison for an arson offence and that sentence was completed last May.

He has been in custody on the facilitating the murder charge since then and has engaged in numerous courses including an Alternative to Violence course, Cardiac Care, An Gaisce, and has been engaging with the Red Cross for his drug addiction, Mr Bowman said.

“Efforts have been made to rehabilitate himself in custody,” said Mr Bowman, adding that Crosby grew up in Drogheda but never had a father figure. “He fell out of school early and was introduced to drugs.”

Defence barrister for Cruise, Bernard Condron SC, said the 49-yearold “expressed his sincere apology to the family for his involvement and expressed his horror of the murder since his arrest”.

“He thought he was just dropping Crosby to the shops,” the defence barrister said. “And he admitted leaving bags outside the house.”

“Testimonials handed in showed Cruise is well thought of in the community in Co Louth and a different part of the country where he has been living for 18 months,” Mr Condron said.

Medical reports were handed in showing he is on cardiac medication and has chronic anxiety.

Mr Bowman also offered an apology on behalf of Crosby, the Special Criminal Court heard.

However, Mr Justice Tony Hunt said “I understand why it is said or unsaid.

“But I can well imagine how such sentiments can be seen. Perhaps the absence or presence of an apology doesn’t carry much weight.”

Mr Justice Hunt adjourned sentencing until February 13.

‘Part of me died with Keane.. No mending is possible’