Further serious charges against the gang responsible for the murder of journalist Veronica Guerin are unlikely in the near future, according to sources close to the investigation, writes Jim Cusack, Security Editor
Two of the main State witnesses against the gang responsible for Ms Guerin's murder have been released from prison and a third is due to be released in the autumn.
The two witnesses who have been released are being provided with alternative identities and offered a new life abroad as part of reciprocal witness-protection arrangements with other EU and "third-country" states.
One of the two witnesses released is Russell Warren, who was sentenced to five years' imprisonment in 1999 for stealing the motorcycle used in the murder and for handling the proceeds of drug trafficking. He was freed on Tuesday.
Another associate who gave evidence which helped convict John Gilligan of drug trafficking offences was released from prison two weeks ago. John Dunne, from Cork, was sentenced to three years' imprisonment for trafficking.
In recent days, Gilligan has taken a High Court challenge to a decision to detain him in a "bunker" in Portlaoise Prison for two months after he allegedly assaulted a prison officer.
Another protected witness, Charles Bowden, told the Special Criminal Court during Gilligan's trial that his life and the lives of his family had been threatened. His house was burned and his family left the State because he gave State evidence.
Bowden admitted preparing the gun that was used to shoot dead the journalist. He was jailed for six years on drugs and firearms charges in October 1997 and is due to be released in October.