GUNMAN'S GETAWAY DRIVER JAILED FOR LIFE; Victim was shot dead in bookies.

Byline: LONAN PAUL

THE getaway driver in a fatal gun attack at a bookmakers was yesterday jailed for life.

Liam Bolger, 23, of Homelawn Gardens in Tallaght, Dublin, was found guilty of the murder of Christopher Barry, 25, on September 13, 2008.

The accused, a father of one and a plasterer by trade, denied the murder at Byrne's bookmakers in Donnycarny, Dublin.

His mother and other family members broke down as the majority 10-2 verdict was read out.

In her victim impact statement, Mr Barry's mother Ann said: "September 13th was the worst day of our lives. Christy left the house laughing and joking like he always was... there are no words to describe the pain and hardship."

Mrs Barry's relatives wept as the court heard that she had suffered a massive heart attack when she heard her son had been shot dead. The statement added: "He was a beautiful young man who brought laughter and joy...I was so proud to have him for a son. He still lives on in our hearts."

Family members whispered "lies" as the court was told that Mr Barry had a conviction for a drugs offence and had been associated with the feud between Crumlin and Drimnagh crime gangs.

Paddy McCarthy SC, prosecuting, said that while Bolger was not the actual assassin, he shared equal responsibility for the murder and the case was one of joint enterprise.

"The gunman is not before the court... Liam Bolger is charged with the murder because he was part and parcel of everything that occurred... there was a murder and it was carried out because Liam Bolger and the gunman agreed to participate," Mr McCarthy said.

During the eight-day trial, the jury was shown CCTV footage of the gunman shooting Mr Barry.

Customers fled the bookmakers as the man, wearing a motorcycle helmet, entered the bookies with a gun. Mr Barry was shot nine times in the six seconds.

The gunman left the shop on a motorbike which he set on fire just around the corner.

He was then seen by a witness sprinting down the road before jumping into a white Renault van driven by Bolger.

Mr Justice Paul Carney handed down the mandatory life sentence and exempted the jury from jury service for the rest of their lives. He also refused leave to appeal.

Speaking after the verdict, Mrs Barry said she had been unable to attend the trial because she didn't want to look at the accused man.

But she added: "God help his [Bolger's] mother... she's without her son too. My heart goes out to her."

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GUILTY Liam Bolger yesterday