Court hears DNA evidence will play role

The Irish Times - Tuesday, March 5, 2013

GERRY MORIARTY Northern Editor

DNA evidence will link Co Derry man Brian Shivers to the murder of two British soldiers at Massereene British army barracks in Antrim four years ago, prosecuting lawyer Terence Mooney QC said yesterday at Belfast Crown Court.

Mr Shivers (47), from Sperrin Mews in Magherafelt, is charged with murdering British soldiers Mark Quinsey (23) and Patrick Azimkar (21) outside the army base in Antrim in March 2009.

Mr Shivers, who suffers from cystic fibrosis, is also charged with six counts of attempted murder and one of possession of two firearms and ammunition with intent to endanger life in relation to the dissident republican attack.

The two soldiers were gunned down as they were collecting pizza outside the barracks on March 7th, 2009. Two other soldiers and two pizza delivery men were seriously injured in the attack just hours before the soldiers were to deploy for service in Afghanistan. Another soldier and a civilian security guard suffered severe shock.

Graphic video footage of the attack was shown in court yesterday during the first day of the non-jury case in front of Mr Justice Deeny.

The CCTV film shows Mr Quinsey, from Birmingham, and Mr Azimkar, from London, heading to the front entrance of the base with other soldiers to collect pizzas they had ordered from Dominos in Antrim.

65 shots fired

The film shows two gunmen firing from AK automatic assault rifles at the soldiers and delivery men. After the first bursts, they return to fire more shots, with one of the gunmen reloading his weapon during the attack. In all 65 shots were fired in the attack, which was claimed by the Real IRA.

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Court hears DNA evidence will play role