My Zach was harmless..I'm glad 'Mr Flashy' got jailed

THE mother of murder victim Zach Parker says she's “delighted” that his boss Glen Ward, known as ‘Mr Flashy, is now in jail as she warns against a life of crime.

- BY PAUL HEALY Crime Correspondent

Drug dealer Parker, 23, was gunned down outside a gym in Swords, North Co Dublin, just metres from his family home, on January 17, 2019.

It was the first gangland murder of the bitter Coolock feud that also saw three of his pals killed.

Speaking as she marked what should have been his 30th birthday this week, a heartbroken Siobhan Parker said her son wanted out of his life of crime.

She also revealed how she learned of his involvement in the notorious ‘Gucci Gang’ led by Ward.

Ward, 32, was in April finally unmasked as the criminal referred to as Mr Flashy after he was jailed for five years and six months over 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.

DEMONS

“No I don't (blame Ward). 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.

“Bulletproof 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.”