Man (31) charged with murder in shooting spree at Pete Taylor’s gym
A 31-YEAR-OLD Dublin man was last night charged with the murder of innocent grandfather Bobby Messett.
Gerard Cervi, from the East Wall area of the north inner city, was remanded in custody last night after being charged at a late night sitting of Bray District Court.
He was remanded in custody to appear again before Cloverhill District Court next Tuesday, September 18.
Cervi had been arrested last Thursday by gardaí investigating the murder of Mr Messett, who was shot dead when a gunman stormed boxing coach Pete Taylor’s gym at Bray Boxing Club on June 5. He had been about to start an early morning fitness session at the time.
Taylor, the father of Olympic gold medallist Katie, was wounded in the arm and chest during the early-morning incident. A third man, Ian Britton, was shot in the legs during the shooting.
During the court sitting last night, Cervi was granted free legal aid.
Gardai confirmed in a statement last night that a woman in her 20s, who was arrested in connection in the murder, was released without charge yesterday.
Mr Messett joined Bray Boxing Club, also known as Taylor Made Boxing Gym, in 2010 and was a close friend of coach Taylor, who spoke of his devastation following his death.
“Words will never explain my excruciating anguish and devastation at the horrific, senseless attack at Bray Boxing Club,” he said in the aftermath of the shooting.
“Bobby was my close friend, training partner and sparring mate. I am utterly heartbroken that he is gone.”
Devastated friends also paid tribute to Mr Messett following the news of the grandfather’s death, saying they were “proud” to have him as a friend.