The trial has begun of a Dublin man accused of attempting to murder a security man at the Leisureplex in Blanchardstown in 2006.
Darren Larkin (23) of no fixed address denies attempting to murder Akef Alquasar with a sawn-off shotgun in the early hours of February 20th, 2006. He also denies two further charges of possession of a firearm and ammunition with intent to endanger life.
Shane Murphy SC, prosecuting, told the jury of six men and six women that at the time of the incident Mr Alquasar was the security manager at the Leisureplex in Blanchardstown Shopping Centre.
On the night in question he was sitting facing the entrance when he saw a man walk through the double doors and pull a hat down over his face. He was carrying a sawn-off shotgun. Mr Alquasar claims he recognised Mr Larkin, having lived near him for some years and spoken to him on several occasions.
Mr Murphy told the court that Mr Alquasar shouted "Larkin, you bastard!" and the accused ran towards him. As he ran he fired a shot which hit Mr Alquasar on the side of the head. Mr Alquasar claims Mr Larkin shouted "I've got you, you c**t" and stopped to reload.
Mr Alquasar dived behind a nearby counter used to store bowling shoes and started throwing shoes at his assailant. Another shot was fired, which missed its mark.
Mr Alquasar claims Mr Larkin then ran out of the building to a small car parked outside and drove off. He ran after him shouting "Larkin, you bastard. I'll get you!"
Mr Murphy told the jury that Mr Alquasar then called the emergency services.
He was taken to hospital where a large pellet and several smaller pieces of pellet were removed from his head under local anaesthetic.
The trial will continue this morning before Mr Justice Éamon de Valera and the jury of six men and six women and is expected to last for the rest of the week.