AN unemployed man who gardai feared had been abducted and killed by the RIRA, has been spotted in Malaga with a well-known crime figure, reports have claimed.
There were serious fears for the safety of Robbie Carroll (27), after he failed to appear for a court hearing in April.
Last October, Carroll – who was a pal of slain mobster Michael ‘the Panda’ Kelly – was charged with withholding information from gardai investigating the murder of RIRA boss Alan Ryan.
Carroll’s family reported him missing and were subsequently interviewed by gardai, but were unable to provide any information about his movements.
His dad is believed to have told gardai that his son would not have gone missing voluntarily and that there had been no contact from him.
Detectives initially believed Carroll, from Dublin, with an address in Clonee, Co. Meath, had been abducted by a dissident squad who were looking to avenge Ryan’s murder.
However, they are now convinced that Carroll is living safely outside of Ireland – and may be staying on the Costa del Sol.
Dad of one Carroll is believed to have driven to Northern Ireland before getting the boat to England.
A source told the Sunday World that there are unconfirmed reports that Carroll has been spotted in Spain with a well-known Dublin criminal figure.
The drug trafficker acted as a ‘money man’ and right-hand man to Michael ‘Micka’ Kelly before he was murdered by the RIRA in 2011.
The source said Carroll has been in contact with a number of his associates by phone.
“Gardai are convinced he is alive, he has made contact with his friends,” said a source.
On October 25, Carroll was charged with withholding information which might have been of material assistance in securing the conviction of a person in connection with the murder of RIRA chief Alan Ryan. The offence can carry a possible five-year jail sentence.
Following a brief hearing, shouts of “scumbag” and other abuse was hurled at Carroll as he was led from court.
The court heard that Carroll made no reply when charged with withholding information from gardai, but his lawyers say he strongly denies the allegation.
He was described in court as a flight risk who frequently changes address and stays in hotels. He was granted bail in his own bond of €6,000, of which he had to lodge €2,000.
However, he failed to turn up to a hearing at Dublin District Court in April when it was expected he would be served with a book of evidence and an order made sending him forward for trial.
His solicitor Declan Fahy had then said: “We are somewhat concerned as to why he is not here.” The lawyer had said Mr Carroll had obeyed his bail terms and it is a case where gardai were concerned for his safety.
Mr Fahy had also said: “The only thing I am aware of is that his father has reported him missing to gardaí,” but he had added that he was not aware when that had happened.
