Ex-baker jailed for luring feud victim to his death
A FORMER baker who lured a man to his death in Limerick's ongoing gangland feud has been sentenced to four years' imprisonment.
Andrew Nolan (27), of 51 Ashe Avenue, John Carew Park, Southill, is the only person charged in connection with the violent death of Michael Campbell McNamara (23) on the night of October 19, 2003.
The victim's hands, arms and feet had been bound together before he was stabbed 10 times and shot in the pelvic region. He died after a fatal shot to the head.
Mr Campbell McNamara's body was found at a place known as Coca Barry's field in Rathbane, Limerick, by a man out walking his dog.
Nolan pleaded guilty earlier to engaging in conduct causing a substantial risk of death or serious harm to the victim.
Limerick Circuit Criminal Court heard that Mr Campbell McNamara received a phone call from Nolan at 10.45pm on October 19 offering to sell him a sawn-off shotgun. Mr Campbell McNamara, who was known to gardai and a native of Southill, Limerick, had told his sister Louise he wanted the gun for his own protection.
Judge Carroll Moran said it was not the case that Nolan murdered him but "he lured him into a position where he was brutally killed".
Residents in John Carew Park - adjacent to Barry's Field where the dead man was found - reported hearing gunshots in the early hours of October 20, 2003.
In a statement read out at a previous court sitting, Nolan said two people who were later joined by another man called to his home to get Mr Campbell McNamara to come up there.
"Three men were waiting for him at the shop. I don't want to name them. I have kids. I don't mind for myself," Nolan told investigating officers.
He admitted to gardai that he knew the unnamed men who requested a meeting with the victim had access to guns, were violent and would kill.
Liz Campbell-McNamara said her son's death had had a "devastating impact" on her family.
Det Sgt Tom O'Connor said the feud had, to date, claimed 11 lives.
Judge Moran noted Mr Nolan had never been in gainful employment and had a number of children from previous relationships.
"The killing was related to the feud which has cost a number of lives in the city," the judge said.
Nolan, who previously worked as a baker, was an active participant in one of those factions. "The deceased was very cautious about his movements but he trusted the accused and it was misplaced on this occasion," the judge said.
As Nolan pleaded guilty at an early stage, he received a substantial discount for his jail term.
- Barry Duggan
