Mr Justice McDermott said the evidence showed that a family member of Mr McDonnell owed a €100,000 drug debt. The victim himself had no involvement in criminality and had worked all his life as a mechanic

Judge Paul McDermott made the remark after hearing that Jason Dunne (35) was not represented in court due to the ongoing dispute over legal aid fees.

Thomas McDonnell told the Central Criminal Court on Friday of the moment he expected to "get one in the head" as he lay on the ground pretending to be dead, only for the gunman to fumble with his weapon, which appeared to have jammed.

Jason Dunne and Craig Hayes both entered guilty pleas on Monday to one count each of conspiracy to commit the murder of Thomas McDonnell on a date between 28th November and December 3rd 2021.