'3-MAN HIT TEAM TRACKED LAWLOR BEFORE KILLING'

Claims as accused refused bail

- ALAN ERWIN

A THREE-man assassination squad scouted out crime boss Robbie Lawlor’s movements before carrying out his contract killing, a court heard yesterday. 

They formed a cell intercepted by police following the shooting in Belfast but were then released and allowed to leave Northern Ireland, it was alleged.

The claims were made as bail was refused to another man charged with the murder of Lawlor in April 2020.

Counsel for Adrian Holland, 39, claimed he is an innocent “mug” in a plot which involved a €50,000 cash payment being made to members of the Limerick-based McCarthy-Dundon gang for services rendered in luring Lawlor to his death.

Joe Brolly contended: “I smell a rat in this case, I’ve smelt a rat from the outset.”