An army sergeant who shot dead a 20-year-old neighbour at his front door was "clearly drunk" and "had some view in his head that there was a drug problem in his estate", prosecuting counsel told a murder trial jury at the Central Criminal Court yesterday.
Mr Michael Durack SC said that Mr Dermot McKeever died as a result of extraordinary, vicious injuries following the incident.
Mr Tommy O'Brien (37), of Milltown Estate, Ashbourne, Co Meath, denies the murder of Mr McKeever on January 1st, 2000.
He also pleaded not guilty to the discharge of a firearm on the same date, which it is alleged created a substantial risk of death or serious harm to Mr Christopher Doran (17), also in Milltown Estate.
Mr O'Brien further denied the possession of a double-barrel shotgun at the time with the intent to endanger life.
Mr Paul McDermott SC for the defence made an oral statement on behalf of the accused man. He said Mr O'Brien admitted that Mr McKeever was shot and the act was carried out by him. He also admitted firing a number of other shots following the initial shooting.
The trial before Mr Justice Smith continues on Monday.