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Dublin Live
18-06-2025
- Dublin Live
'The Gucci gang is gone' says mum of murdered Zach Parker after Glen Ward jailed
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info The mother of murder victim Zach Parker says she's "delighted" that his boss Glen Ward is now in jail - as she warns against a life of crime and says: "The Gucci Gang is gone". Drug dealer Zach Parker (23) was gunned down outside a gym in Swords metres from his family home on January 17, 2019 - the first gangland murder of the bitter Coolock feud that also saw three of his pals killed. Speaking as she marked what should've been Zach's 30th birthday this week, a heartbroken Siobhan Parker said her son wanted out of his life of crime - and revealed how she learned of his involvement in the notorious 'Gucci Gang' led by Glen Ward. Ward (32) was in April finally unmasked as the criminal referred to as 'Mr Flashy' after he was jailed to five years and six months in prison for firing a semi automatic rifle from the back door of a Finglas home. Speaking at her son's graveside as she placed 30th birthday balloons, Ms Parker, who said she doesn't blame Ward for involving her son in a life of crime told us: "Yeah I was delighted like (that he went to jail) but at the same time they're still in a prison where they're gonna be looked after and everything. "No I don't (blame him). We all have our demons, we all have our own personalities. If you want to do something you do it. But if you're groomed you're groomed. "They'll be out in no time. Bullet proof vests are not going to save you. Zach got shot in the head. A Louis Vuitton bag is not gonna save you either. It's just bling bling bling." Speaking about marking her son's birthday Ms Parker said: "It's Zach's 30th birthday. He would've loved to have had a party. He's probably having a party up there. It's to acknowledge a milestone he didn't catch up on." Describing the past six and a half years since her son's death as "horrific," Ms Parker said: "I've been in rehab twice, I've been in hospital. But hopefully things will get better. The Gucci Gang is gone." It is believed that Zach was murdered after seeking a drug debt from a young criminal in the North Dublin area. Ms Parker says she knew her son was involved in drug dealing but that she only learned how deep after he died - when she met Glen Ward and close pal Sean Little after he died. Little was himself shot dead in May 2019 - as he looked for revenge for the murder of Zach. "I actually didn't really know the depths that he was in. You know, I knew the circumstances of the drug situation but now it's getting worse and like they're going around on scooters getting paid left right and centre and it's getting worse and worse. So I reckon Zach is probably in a better place. He was harmless," Ms Parker told us. Warning other young people away from a life of crime she added: "I used to love on a Sunday evening watching Love/Hate. I thought it was the best thing until it was reality for me. "They (young people) don't listen to their Mammies anyway. They're going around on scooters and getting paid. That's great for them at that age - getting a pair of runners for nothing. You know what I mean, like they're grooming them." Speaking about the first time she met Glen Ward, Sean Little and other members of the notorious 'Gucci Gang' which terrorised Finglas, Ms Parker said: "I didn't really know until I went into Beaumont that night and that's when I met the lads. Like Sean Little and that. "I never met them before. (Glen Ward) was there yeah but I wouldn't have known him. They had a vigil and he was there as well. "Zach wanted to get out of it. He never told me anything now. He would never tell me anything. He was in the Gucci Gang and he was the first to die in the Gucci Gang. And then poor Sean. "I personally think Zach was a lovely fella and he was the bestest barber in Swords, so people keep telling me. He was a softie. I don't even know how he got into the drug situation but it's money." Saying her "life changed" when Zach died, Ms Parker said Sean Little vowed for revenge - and told her partner that he would find who was responsible before he was blasted to death on 21 May 2019. She said: "Absolutely one million per cent (he wanted revenge) for Zach. He loved him. He was a very lovable person. He was a big softie like deep down. "Sean Little came in to me and he said he doesn't owe money, I can promise you here and now. The day after he passed he came in and said he didn't owe money. "He said to Gary I'm gonna find out who f*cking did this. They were so close. I didn't realise. He said he's gonna find out if it kills him. It did kill him didn't it?" Speaking about the moment she found out her son had been shot dead at the front of the gym, which was located just over a wall next to her home, Ms Parker said: "Gary, he came in. I was in the bedroom watching telly, he came in and said did you hear that and I said yeah, what the f*cks going on. "Then I seen him running across the way and I looked out the window. I started ringing Zach to see what was going on. I didn't realise it was him. "Then I went over and he was getting CPR done on him. They said go straight into Beaumont. "So we went straight in. My friend texted Oh My God there's been a shooting at the gym, someone's dead. It's horrific. I'm so angry." In August 2022 the DPP directed no charges be brought against a suspect arrested by gardai in connection with Zach's murder. It is understood the young man has connections to deceased crime boss Tommy 'The Zombie' Savage, who died of natural causes at the age of 71 in 2021. Ms Parker says she doesn't know why her son was murdered - but that she hopes to one day get justice for his death. "They said no charges. I'd have my suspicions. I want to get justice. I'm not going to get closure but I do want to get justice," she said. "But I do think he's in a better place because the way things are going now they don't just shoot you after three months, they shoot you straight away." Saying she believed her own son was groomed into a life of crime, Ms Parker said it started with his friendship with the late Sean Little. She said: "I do yeah definitely 100 per cent (think Zach was groomed). Sean Little came in and got his haircut and never met him before in his life. "He had a good life ahead of him. He could've opened up his own barber and cleaned up. I'm not just saying it because I'm his Mam. He was the best barber in Swords. "He used to draw all his tattoos and then go in and get them done. I didn't know until he was dead that he was in it. I never met them until that night." Ms Parker says she is relieved that the crime gang led by Glen Ward - which featured the likes of her son, Sean Little, Hamid Sanambar, Caolan Smyth, and others, is now gone - but she fears it will be replaced with another. "It's well gone now. I am relieved but it'll be another gang, there will be another name."It isn't good because you're watching your back left right and centre," she said. Ms Parker has since left the house she lived in in Swords - because it carries with it too many painful memories. "We knew we couldn't stay in the house. I couldn't stay there. I was looking out the window at it (the place he was killed)," she said. Join our Dublin Live breaking news service on WhatsApp. Click this link to receive your daily dose of Dublin Live content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. For all the latest news from Dublin and surrounding areas visit our homepage.
Irish Daily Mirror
18-06-2025
- Irish Daily Mirror
Mum of murdered Zach Parker tells of 'delight' that his crime boss is jailed
The mother of murder victim Zach Parker says she's 'delighted' that his boss Glen Ward is now in jail - as she warns against a life of crime and says: "The Gucci Gang is gone".Drug dealer Zach Parker (23) was gunned down outside a gym in Swords, North Co Dublin, metres from his family home on January 17, 2019 - the first gangland murder of the bitter Coolock feud that also saw three of his pals as she marked what should've been Zach's 30th birthday this week, a heartbroken Siobhan Parker said her son wanted out of his life of crime - and revealed how she learned of his involvement in the notorious 'Gucci Gang' led by Glen Ward. Ward (32) was in April finally unmasked as the criminal referred to as 'Mr Flashy' after he was jailed to five years and six months in prison for firing a semi automatic rifle from the back door of a Finglas home. Speaking at her son's graveside as she placed 30th birthday balloons, Ms Parker, who said she doesn't blame Ward for involving her son in a life of crime told us: 'Yeah I was delighted like (that he went to jail) but at the same time they're still in a prison where they're gonna be looked after and everything. 'No I don't (blame him). We all have our demons, we all have our own personalities. If you want to do something you do it. But if you're groomed you're groomed. They'll be out in no time. Bullet proof vests are not going to save you. Zach got shot in the head. A Louis Vuitton bag is not gonna save you either. It's just bling bling bling.'Speaking about marking her son's birthday Ms Parker said: 'It's Zach's 30th birthday. He would've loved to have had a party. He's probably having a party up there. It's to acknowledge a milestone he didn't catch up on.' Describing the past six and a half years since her son's death as 'horrific,' Ms Parker said: 'I've been in rehab twice, I've been in hospital. But hopefully things will get better. The Gucci Gang is gone.' It is believed that Zach was murdered after seeking a drug debt from a young criminal in the North Dublin Parker says she knew her son was involved in drug dealing but that she only learned how deep after he died - when she met Glen Ward and close pal Sean Little after he died. Little was himself shot dead in May 2019 - as he looked for revenge for the murder of Zach. 'I actually didn't really know the depths that he was in. You know, I knew the circumstances of the drug situation but now it's getting worse and like they're going around on scooters getting paid left right and centre and it's getting worse and worse. So I reckon Zach is probably in a better place. He was harmless,' Ms Parker told other young people away from a life of crime she added: 'I used to love on a Sunday evening watching Love/Hate. I thought it was the best thing until it was reality for me. They (young people) don't listen to their Mammies anyway. They're going around on scooters and getting paid. That's great for them at that age - getting a pair of runners for nothing. You know what I mean, like they're grooming them.'Speaking about the first time she met Glen Ward, Sean Little and other members of the notorious 'Gucci Gang' which terrorised Finglas, Ms Parker said: 'I didn't really know until I went into Beaumont that night and that's when I met the lads. Like Sean Little and that. I never met them before. (Glen Ward) was there yeah but I wouldn't have known him. They had a vigil and he was there as well. 'Zach wanted to get out of it. He never told me anything now. He would never tell me anything. He was in the Gucci Gang and he was the first to die in the Gucci Gang. And then poor Sean.'I personally think Zach was a lovely fella and he was the bestest barber in Swords, so people keep telling me. He was a softie. I don't even know how he got into the drug situation but it's money.' Saying her 'life changed' when Zach died, Ms Parker said Sean Little vowed for revenge - and told her partner that he would find who was responsible before he was blasted to death on 21 May 2019.'Absolutely one million per cent (he wanted revenge) for Zach. He loved him. He was a very lovable person. He was a big softie like deep down. 'Sean Little came in to me and he said he doesn't owe money, I can promise you here and now. The day after he passed he came in and said he didn't owe money. He said to Gary I'm gonna find out who f*cking did this. They were so close. I didn't realise. He said he's gonna find out if it kills him. It did kill him didn't it?'Speaking about the moment she found out her son had been shot dead at the front of the gym, which was located just over a wall next to her home, Ms Parker said:'Gary, he came in. I was in the bedroom watching telly, he came in and said did you hear that and I said yeah, what the f*cks going on. Then I seen him running across the way and I looked out the window. I started ringing Zach to see what was going on. I didn't realise it was him. Then I went over and he was getting CPR done on him. They said go straight into Beaumont.'So we went straight in. My friend texted Oh My God there's been a shooting at the gym, someone's dead. It's horrific. I'm so angry.'In August 2022 the DPP directed no charges be brought against a suspect arrested by gardai in connection with Zach's murder. It is understood the young man has connections to deceased crime boss Tommy 'The Zombie' Savage, who died of natural causes at the age of 71 in Parker says she doesn't know why her son was murdered - but that she hopes to one day get justice for his death.'They said no charges. I'd have my suspicions. I want to get justice. I'm not going to get closure but I do want to get justice,' she said. 'But I do think he's in a better place because the way things are going now they don't just shoot you after three months they shoot you straight away.'Saying she believed her own son was groomed into a life of crime, Ms Parker said it started with his friendship with the late Sean Little. I do yeah definitely 100 per cent (think Zach was groomed). Sean Little came in and got his haircut and never met him before in his life.'He had a good life ahead of him. He could've opened up his own barber and cleaned up. I'm not just saying it because I'm his Mam. He was the best barber in Swords. 'He used to draw all his tattoos and then go in and get them done. I didn't know until he was dead that he was in it. I never met them until that night,' she Parker says she is relieved that the crime gang led by Glen Ward - which featured the likes of her son, Sean Little Hamid Sanambar, Caolan Smyth and others, is now gone - but she fears it will be replaced with another. 'It's well gone now. I am relieved but it'll be another gang, there will be another name.'It isn't good because you're watching your back left right and centre,' she Parker has since left the house she lived in in Swords - because it carries with it too many painful memories. 'We knew we couldn't stay in the house. I couldn't stay there. I was looking out the window at it (the place he was killed),' she said.
Dublin Live
01-06-2025
- Dublin Live
Dublin criminal outed as infamous 'Mr Flashy' could be back on streets by 2027
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info Criminal Glen Ward is said to be 'happy' he has been outed as the infamous Mr Flashy as we reveal he could be back on the streets as early as 2027. Ward, 32, who has been named as the leader of the 'Gucci Gang' based in Finglas, North Dublin, is serving a five-and-a-half-year prison sentence in Portlaoise Prison. Two weeks ago, he was given an 18-month suspended prison sentence for violent disorder during a daylight melee against a rival gang. The media was not allowed to name him as 'Mr Flashy' over the years because he had only minor convictions. This was despite him being named in the High Court as the gangster and the leader of the Kinahan-affiliated 'Gucci Gang' during the €1.7 million CAB case against Kinahan's top lieutenant Ross Browning in 2022. But because he has now been convicted of gun charges in the Special Criminal Court and has no more charges before the courts, his street name and gang leadership role can be revealed. His younger brother Eric O'Driscoll, 23, was also convicted of the same gun charges and was handed a five-year term. They were jailed for possession of a .223 calibre Remington AR-15 semi-automatic rifle which was fired from the back door of a Finglas home during a house party. They both pleaded guilty to that offence. One source told the Irish Mirror: 'Ward seems to be happy to have been outed as 'Mr Flashy' – it doesn't seem to bother him at all. 'For years, he couldn't be linked to being 'Mr Flashy' so now that it's out there, he seems to be fine about it all.' We can also reveal that Ward could be back on the streets as early as 2027. This is because he has been in custody since January last year and his sentence was backdated to include time spent in custody. Ward is also expected to get a quarter off on remission or good behaviour and this could bring his release date to 2027. One source said: 'It is likely it will be mid or near the end of 2027 that he will be released and back on the streets.' At his sentencing hearing two weeks ago, when he was given a suspended sentence for violent disorder, Ward's defence barrister told the court the gangster had previously worked as a mechanic – and 'hopes to get back to that' on his release. The court also heard he works out daily in the prison gym and 'is keeping his head down'. Gardai say the Gucci Gang were involved in street-level organised crime and drug dealing and had links to transnational organised crime groups at the highest levels. The High Court was told it got this name 'due to their penchant for designer clothes and jewellery'. The Chief CAB Officer said the gang has been involved in murderous feuds with rivals over control of the drugs trade and named its leader. Join our Dublin Live breaking news service on WhatsApp. Click this link to receive your daily dose of Dublin Live content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. For all the latest news from Dublin and surrounding areas visit our homepage.
Irish Daily Mirror
01-06-2025
- Irish Daily Mirror
Dublin crim outed as infamous 'Mr Flashy', and could be back on streets by 2027
Criminal Glen Ward is said to be 'happy' he has been outed as the infamous Mr Flashy as we reveal he could be back on the streets as early as 2027. Ward, 32, who has been named as the leader of the 'Gucci Gang' based in Finglas, North Dublin, is serving a five-and-a-half-year prison sentence in Portlaoise Prison. Two weeks ago, he was given an 18-month suspended prison sentence for violent disorder during a daylight melee against a rival gang. The media was not allowed to name him as 'Mr Flashy' over the years because he had only minor convictions. This was despite him being named in the High Court as the gangster and the leader of the Kinahan-affiliated 'Gucci Gang' during the €1.7 million CAB case against Kinahan's top lieutenant Ross Browning in 2022. But because he has now been convicted of gun charges in the Special Criminal Court and has no more charges before the courts, his street name and gang leadership role can be revealed. His younger brother Eric O'Driscoll, 23, was also convicted of the same gun charges and was handed a five-year term. They were jailed for possession of a .223 calibre Remington AR-15 semi-automatic rifle which was fired from the back door of a Finglas home during a house party. They both pleaded guilty to that offence. One source told the Irish Mirror: 'Ward seems to be happy to have been outed as 'Mr Flashy' – it doesn't seem to bother him at all. 'For years, he couldn't be linked to being 'Mr Flashy' so now that it's out there, he seems to be fine about it all.' We can also reveal that Ward could be back on the streets as early as 2027. This is because he has been in custody since January last year and his sentence was backdated to include time spent in custody. Ward is also expected to get a quarter off on remission or good behaviour and this could bring his release date to 2027. One source said: 'It is likely it will be mid or near the end of 2027 that he will be released and back on the streets.' At his sentencing hearing two weeks ago, when he was given a suspended sentence for violent disorder, Ward's defence barrister told the court the gangster had previously worked as a mechanic – and 'hopes to get back to that' on his release. The court also heard he works out daily in the prison gym and 'is keeping his head down'. Gardai say the Gucci Gang were involved in street-level organised crime and drug dealing and had links to transnational organised crime groups at the highest levels. The High Court was told it got this name 'due to their penchant for designer clothes and jewellery'. The Chief CAB Officer said the gang has been involved in murderous feuds with rivals over control of the drugs trade and named its leader.
Dublin Live
22-05-2025
- Dublin Live
'Mr Flashy' Glen Ward handed 18-month suspended sentence for bicycle saddle melee
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info The leader of the 'Gucci Gang' Glen Ward - who was jailed over the possession of an AR-15 rifle - has been given an 18 month suspended prison sentence for violent disorder and possessing a bicycle saddle during a melee in daylight against a gang of males. Ward's brother Eric O'Driscoll (23) was given a 12 months suspended sentence for the same incident and given a six month sentence for reckless endangerment and dangerous driving on a motorbike in a separate incident. Glen - who has also been named in the High Court as 'Mr Flashy' - and his brother Eric, both of Deanstown Green, in Finglas, Dublin 11, pleaded guilty to violent disorder and production of articles at Cardiffsbridge Road in Finglas on August 9, 2022. Dublin Circuit Criminal Court heard neither brothers were the instigators of the violent disorder incident which occurred when O'Driscoll was returning from nearby Dunnes Stores after shopping for his mother. A group of males exchanged words with O'Driscoll and they followed him to his house. Detective Garda Dwayne O'Brien said the incident of violent disorder occurred with 'two gangs against each other in daylight.' Gardai responded to a call that a large group of males had gathered at Cardiffsbridge Road but when gardai arrived the males were dispersing and no incident was taking place. CCTV from nearby Dunnes Stores was gathered showing the violent disorder incident as well as CCTV footage from the home of Ward and O'Driscoll, which showed them returning to their house armed with the bicycle saddles afterwards. Sean Prendeville, defence counsel for Ward - who has been referred to as 'Mr Flashy' and the leader of the 'Gucci Gang' during a recent High Court case - said the prosecuting garda accepted the incident wasn't started by Ward or O'Driscoll. He said Ward, who has 22 previous convictions, 'apologises to the community and he is happy to stress that.' 'He is 32, the middle of six children and has a long term partner and a nine year old daughter. He worked as a mechanic and hopes to get back to that. He is in the gym daily in prison and is keeping his head down. On the day he behaved hastily,' said Mr Prendivelle. Keith Spencer, defence counsel for O'Driscoll, who has 9 previous convictions, said the 23-year old 'did not go out that day looking for trouble.' 'He was leaving Dunnes Stores and four males approached him and words were exchanged and they followed him to his house,' said Mr Spencer. 'His involvement was holding a bicycle saddle that was thrown at him and it goes back and forth between the group of males. 'He was minding his own business, shopping for his mother and he picked up the saddle that was thrown in his direction. He is not aware if it made contact with anyone,' said Mr Spencer. O'Driscoll was also given a six month prison sentence for endangerment and dangerous driving on a separate occasion on November 17, 2022 when he drove a motorbike at high speeds, weaving in and out of traffic and mounting a footpath putting pedestrians in danger. The court heard that incident arose because he was 'very emotional' at the passing of his friend Patrick Caslin which Det Gda O'Brien said 'there was an unusual incident that led to Mr Caslin's death.' Friends of Mr Caslin were gathered for a memorial that day and O'Driscoll was driving a black Honda motorbike which took gardai on a high speed chase through Finglas for around 15 minutes. The Garda Air Support Unit as well as the Armed Support Unit were also involved. The incident ended when O'Driscoll went into the rear of a house and jumped a garden wall and hid in a shed. Gardai, assisted by the ASU, entered the garden and arrested O'Driscoll at gunpoint. Det Gda O'Brien agreed with defence counsel Mr Spencer that O'Driscoll was co-operative upon arrest. Mr Spencer said O'Driscoll, who lost his father at 16, also left school following his Junior Certificate and worked for a time in insulation. 'He was a good footballer who togged out for Finglas FC but didn't pursue it,' said Mr Spencer. He said O'Driscoll finds 'the prison environment difficult' and is now sharing a cell in Portlaoise prison with his brother Glen Ward. 'He apologises for his offending and wishes to pursue an apprenticeship as an electrician. He was very emotional on the day as he lost his close friend and accepts he was extremely reckless,' said Mr Spencer. In sentencing the brothers to suspended sentences for the violent disorder incident, Judge Alva Duffy said 'It was a terrifying incident for anyone present.' And in sentencing O'Driscoll to six months in prison for endangerment and dangerous driving, Judge Duffy said 'It was a very serious incident and on the upper end of the scale,' and banned him from driving for ten years. Both brothers were jailed in the Special Criminal Court last month for possession of a .223 calibre Remington AR-15 semi-automatic rifle which was fired from the back door of a Finglas home during a house party. They both pleaded guilty to that offence and Ward was sentenced to five and a half years while O'Driscoll was sentenced to five years. During that sentencing hearing, Ms Justice Melanie Greally said the firearm Ward used was powerful and capable of causing serious injury or death. She noted that gardai found the weapon alongside a "sizable cache" of ammunition. Video footage retrieved from a phone showed Ward, having already fired the gun, encouraging his younger brother Eric O'Driscoll to take and discharge the firearm, she added. Gardai discovered the rifle alongside a military submachine gun during a search of a house in Finglas in February 2022. Ward was named in the High Court as the leader of the Kinahan-affiliated 'Gucci Gang,' during the €1.7m CAB case against Kinahan Organised Crime Gang's top lieutenant Ross Browning in 2022. Investigators established Ward's links to Browning as a 'known associate' as well as a number of other associates including Fat Freddie Thompson, who is serving life for the Hutch/Kinahan feud murder of Dathai Douglas. In an affidavit opened during the CAB case against Browning, a top detective gave details of the Kinahan Organised Crime Gang describing it as a 'transnational organisation whose activities are not just murders, money laundering and controlled drugs but also involved in the importation of firearms into Ireland, the UK and Europe with a €1 billion worldwide network.' Glen Ward was then named in an affidavit by another senior detective as 'an active member of the Kinahan Organised Crime Gang who directs the 'Gucci Gang' from an address on Ratoath Road in Finglas. 'That gang got this name due to their penchant for designer clothes and jewellery,' the sworn affidavit stated. Details were given before the High Court of that property on Ratoath Road as 'having bullet proof windows, a fortified door and pit bulls in the front garden to protect against garda searches of the property.' The property underwent a number of attacks, the affidavit continued, with Ward being seen in the company of certain individuals including Caolan Smyth, a gunman for the Kinahan organised crime group. Smyth, 33, from Donore, Co Meath is serving 20 years in prison for shooting rival Hutch gang member James 'Mago' Gately five times on May 10, 2017. The sworn affidavit by the senior detective also stated that it is the detective's belief that Mr Ward 'is engaged in the distribution of controlled drugs' in Dublin and wider regions. Join our Dublin Live breaking news service on WhatsApp. Click this link to receive your daily dose of Dublin Live content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. For all the latest news from Dublin and surrounding areas visit our homepage.
