A NEW feud in the Ballinacurra Weston area of Limerick could result in serious injury, or the loss of life through murder.
That is according to gardai who “stressed” that a new violent dispute has escalated in recent weeks, as shots have been fired, acts of arson, criminal damage and serious assaults have occurred.
Detectives have warned that more incidents could follow, and threats could be “made good” if the situation is not brought under control.
The comments of Det Garda Pat Whelan and Garda Garry Laide came as they opposed the bail applications of two men arrested in Roscrea and Limerick on January 5 last.
Judge Tom O’Donnell heard Garda Laide state that the feud that has escalated in the last three to four weeks in the city could result in murder.
Limerick District Court was stunned to silence as it heard that it was of a serious nature with many parties involved.
Garda Laide gave evidence during the bail application of two men charged in connection with a serious assault in the area, where it is alleged, that four men, two carrying knives, alighted from a car and stabbed several times and assaulted a man in his 20s.
Gardai told the court that they were objecting to the bail applications of the two as they feared witness intimidation, that further serious assaults or acts of crime would be committed.
One man, a potential witness, who had attended the courthouse during the proceedings, told gardai that he would not stay in the area of Merchants Quay, as he alleged that he was in fear for his life after being threatened to withdraw statements he made to gardai.
These statements, the court was told by gardai, form a major part of the case being brought by the State.
A woman in her 40s was arrested after it was alleged she threatened to kill a potential witness linked to the this new and bitter feud.
Gardai say that their investigations are ongoing.
