A Dublin man accused of the murder of a Garda sergeant said he would never forget the sergeant's screams as he burnt to death, the Central Criminal Court heard yesterday.
Det Garda James B. Hanley told the court that he questioned Mr Daniel O'Toole after the killing of Sgt Andrew Callanan in an arson attack on Tallaght Garda station on July 21st, 1999.
"I'll never forget that morning", Mr O'Toole allegedly said. "I'll never forget that sergeant's screams." Det Garda Hanley was giving evidence on the sixth day of the trial of Mr O'Toole (38), of Cashel Avenue, Crumlin, who pleads not guilty to the murder of Sgt Callanan, a garda acting in the course of his duty. The accused also denies a simple charge of murder but admits manslaughter, a charge the State refused to accept.
The witness said he asked Mr O'Toole if he had left his engine running while he set fire to the Garda station at around 4.30 a.m. on the morning of July 21st. Mr O'Toole said: "I do not actually remember whether I left it running or not."
Mr O'Toole allegedly told Det Garda Hanley that he wanted to "change the system". The court had heard that he and his wife were separated and he was angry and upset at not being able to see his children. "I picked on Tallaght station because, if you understand, it was the nearest place to me which represents the judicial system." Det Garda Hanley had asked Mr O'Toole if he was aware of the dangers of petrol when ignited. "Yes, I know the whole place would go whoosh", Mr O'Toole replied. He asked the accused if he knew it would kill anyone in the vicinity. "Yes, except you got out fast enough", he responded.
Det Garda Hanley told Mr Michael Durack SC, prosecuting, that when he questioned Mr O'Toole on what was in his mind, the accused said: "I wish I could change things. I only wanted to stop the pain."
He then asked Mr O'Toole if he wanted to kill himself. "I tried suicide before and I'm still here. I can't carry it through", Mr O'Toole replied. The witness said he asked the accused what was the last thing he remembered that morning. "The screams of the sergeant", he allegedly replied.
The trial continues today.