‘International drug dealer met gangland murder accused in Sligo’

AN INTERNATIONAL drug dealer met with a man accused of being involved in the murder of a gangland leader in a Sligo hotel in the lead up to the killing, a trial has been told.

The court heard that international drug dealers are believed to have been involved in planning the assassination of Dublin man Robbie Lawlor (36), pictured right, who was shot dead in Belfast in April. Belfast Magistrates’ Court heard at a recent sitting that Belfast man Adrian Holland (37), who with Patrick Teer (45), also from Belfast, is on trial for the murder of Lawlor, met with a man described as an international drug dealer at the Sligo Park Hotel in March.

The details emerged as bail was refused to Teer, who is accused of carrying out “research and logistics” around the killing of Lawlor in north Belfast.

Lawlor was gunned down outside a house at Etna Drive in the Ardyone area of Belfast on April 4 this year. Police believe he was shot dead when he attended a pre-arranged appointment at Adrian Holland’s home.

Originally from Dublin, Lawlor was widely reported to have been heavily involved in a feud between rival Drogheda-based factions.

He had been linked to the abduction and murder of 17-year-old Drogehda youth Keane Mulready-Woods in January this year.

A police detective told the court that the case against Teer was that he was “specifically involved in research, logistics, disposal and the interference with the course of justice.”

Based on phone data, the detective alleged: “Throughout the course of this period in terms of planning, preparation and execution of the murder, Patrick Teer is in contact not only with Adrian Holland but also some international drug dealers and members of a very significant organised crime gang.

As part of that, it is alleged Teer organised and paid for Holland’s stay in the Sligo Park Hotel when he met the international drug dealer. It is also alleged that following the murder, Teer met up with Holland to arrange their story and organise a forensic “clean-up” before they travelled to Sligo.

A prosecution barrister raised suspected links to domestic and international organised crime gangs. “There are in excess of 20 suspects in this case, most of whom reside outside of the UK,” she said. Defence barrister Sean Devine contended that the police case against Teer boiled down to his association with co-accused Holland. Mr Devine insisted his client has a clear record and will have a “complete answer” to the charges he faces.

Denying bail, however, District Judge Fiona Bagnall cited the risk of re-offending and interference with witnesses.

She remanded Teer in custody to appear again on January 8.