Court archive
Court reports mentioning Glenties, Donegal
2026-07-27 · Donegal
Lawyers for Antoin Duffy, accused of the murder of former Sinn Fein official Denis Donaldson, expressed concern over the delay in serving the book of evidence, which has not been provided despite the case being listed multiple times. Stephen Faulkner BL, representing Duffy, noted the murder dates back to 2006 and the book is still not ready. Simon Matthews BL for the State said the book of evidence will be served on October 12. Duffy, who was extradited from Scotland, is charged with the murder of Donaldson and possession of a shotgun and ammunition. Donaldson, a former Sinn Fein official, was shot dead in 2006 after publicly admitting to being an MI5 informer. The Real IRA claimed responsibility for the murder. Duffy's lawyers are seeking bail but face opposition from gardaí due to the lack of evidence served. The case highlights the challenges of prosecuting a murder that occurred over two decades ago, with the delay in serving evidence raising concerns about the fairness of the trial.
2026-07-20 · Dublin
Patrick Fishy' Fitzgerald, 49, withdrew his appeal against a seven-year prison sentence at the Court of Appeal after judges warned him of the full range of their powers. The appeal concerned a sentence handed down in July 2025 by Ms Justice Eileen Creedon at the Central Criminal Court. Fitzgerald had pleaded guilty to facilitating a serious offence for a criminal organisation, specifically providing getaway vehicles for the attempted murder of Gary Carey in November 2021. The court found his assistance crucial to the gang's actions. Ms Justice Creedon set a headline sentence of 12 years, reduced to nine years after mitigation, with the final two years suspended subject to conditions. This term was ordered to run consecutively to a separate seven-and-a-half-year sentence Fitzgerald was already serving for aggravated burglary, in which he was part of a gang that terrorised a family, including a six-year-old child. During the appeal hearing, Mr Justice McCarthy, sitting with Ms Justice Tara Burns and Mr Justice Alexander Owens, noted the panel believed a sufficient reduction had already been given and highlighted the risk regarding the suspended portion. Following advice from senior counsel Bernard Condon, Fitzgerald instructed his lawyer to seek permission to withdraw the appeal. The court granted the application, describing Fitzgerald's decision as prudent given the possibility of an unfavourable intervention. The matter was adjourned to allow for the withdrawal process, and the original sentence remains in effect.
2026-07-06 · Donegal
Lawyers for Antoin Duffy, who is charged with the murder of Denis Donaldson, have expressed disappointment over further delays in serving the book of evidence in the Special Criminal Court. Duffy, who was brought before the court, had been remanded in custody until today for the service of the book of evidence. The court was previously informed that the book of evidence was not yet complete and was awaiting final statements. Today, Michael Bowman SC for the Director of Public Prosecutions stated that the prosecution was not in a position to serve the book of evidence and that there was still some outstanding material. Brendan Grehan SC for the defence said he was disappointed that the book of evidence was not available today. He noted that his client was present to have the book served on him and that he has a bail application pending in the High Court. The case was adjourned to July 27, with Duffy to be produced on that date.
2026-07-03 · Donegal
The former CEO of Inland Fisheries Ireland, Francis O'Donnell, faced disciplinary action after an internal investigation found that he had given inappropriate assistance to a candidate applying for a senior post. The investigation revealed that O'Donnell had forwarded interview questions to the candidate and had advised them on how to amend their cover letter and CV. O'Donnell claimed that he had been mentoring the candidate and that the disciplinary process was an act of whistleblower penalisation. The tribunal heard that an independent investigation by RSM concluded that O'Donnell had given inappropriate assistance to the candidate, who ultimately got the job. O'Donnell denied the allegations and claimed that the process had not been fair, as the confidentiality of the investigation was breached. The tribunal adjourned the hearings until Monday, with the adjudication officer to consider the case under the Protected Disclosures Act 2014, the Payment of Wages Act 1991, and the Unfair Dismissals Act 1977.
2026-07-01 · Donegal
The former CEO of Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI), Francis O'Donnell, has told a tribunal that he contemplated suicide after his bosses allegedly pressured him to quit following damaging media leaks and political interference in an internal investigation. O'Donnell described the period as 'very dark and very, very hard' and said he was subjected to harassment and untrue allegations. He claimed that political actors at a high level interfered in the process, and that he was blackmailed by a sitting senator. O'Donnell suspended a senior employee pending an investigation and reported concerns to gardaí twice in 2022. An independent investigation by RSM cleared him of allegations, but he said the report failed to examine evidence he provided. O'Donnell met with ministerial appointees in 2024, during which he was told the protected disclosure matter needed to be 'bottomed out' before a pay increment could be considered. He felt isolated and described being cast as a 'troublemaker'. O'Donnell reported his mental state to IFI occupational health, but felt the organisation was 'extremely negligent'.
2026-04-13 · Donegal
Antoin Duffy, a 49-year-old man charged with murdering former Sinn Fein official Denis Donaldson, has been remanded in custody until June. He appeared by video link before the Special Criminal Court, which directed that two books of evidence be served on his solicitors on June 8. Duffy also faces charges connected with an alleged attempted murder and firearms possession in Donegal.
2026-03-30 · Donegal
Antoin Duffy, who was extradited from Scotland, appeared before the Special Criminal Court charged with the murder of former Provisional IRA and Sinn Féin official Denis Donaldson. He also faces a separate attempted-murder charge involving Liam McGinley and four firearms-related charges. The three-judge, non-jury court ordered that all six charges be tried there after the Director of Public Prosecutions certified that the ordinary courts were not adequate.
2026-03-05 · Donegal
Former Inland Fisheries Ireland CEO Francis O'Donnell told a Workplace Relations Commission hearing that a senator intervened over a promotion linked to an employee he described as a key witness in a Garda fraud investigation. An adjudicator directed him not to name people who had not been put on notice; the case is to continue in June.
2026-02-13 · Dublin
David Thomas, 42, of Finglas, Dublin 11, was sentenced at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court following an appeal. The State successfully appealed a previous decision to dismiss some charges, leading the Supreme Court to overturn that dismissal. Thomas pleaded guilty to unlawful possession for sale or supply of THC contained in cannabis jellies and unlawful cultivation of cannabis at Prospect Hill, Finglas. The charges related to a November 2022 raid where gardaí found 1,500 cannabis jellies, cultivation equipment, and plants with an estimated street value of €50,000. Judge Elma Sheahan considered aggravating factors, including Thomas's 74 previous convictions, and mitigating factors, such as his reported sobriety and addiction support. She imposed a sentence of four years. The final six months of the sentence were suspended on the condition that Thomas keep the peace and be of good behaviour. The matter was not adjourned; the sentence was imposed. A co-accused was previously sentenced in 2024, while a third man remains before the courts.
2025-07-07 · Dublin
A man from the Glenties area of Donegal has been sentenced to a total of 15.5 years in prison following his conviction at the Central Criminal Court for facilitating a gangland shooting in Dublin. Patrick Fitzgerald, aged 48, was convicted of participating in activities of a criminal organisation between November 2021 with intent to facilitate a serious offence. He provided getaway vehicles used in an attempted murder of Dublin criminal Gary Carey on 17 November 2021. Justice Eileen Creedon imposed a seven-year sentence to run consecutively with an existing 7.5-year sentence for aggravated burglary. The court heard Fitzgerald purchased two vehicles through an online platform and provided them as escape cars following the shooting at Ballyfermot Crescent. Mr Carey sustained gunshot wounds and subsequently relocated his family abroad. The judge noted the case involved a national and international drug smuggling gang and considered the profound impact on the victim's family. Fitzgerald has 72 previous convictions.
2025-05-26 · Dublin
Patrick Fitzgerald (48), with an address in Glenties, pleaded guilty at the Central Criminal Court to facilitating a criminal organisation between November 11 and 18, 2021. The court heard that Fitzgerald, known as 'Mr Fishy', purchased and provided getaway vehicles used in an attempted murder of Dublin man Gary Carey on November 17, 2021. Carey was shot ten times and sustained gunshot wounds to his torso but survived. He subsequently died from injuries sustained in a second attack in August 2022. Fitzgerald was arrested in December 2021 and exercised his right to silence during interviews. The court heard he has 72 previous convictions. While on bail for an aggravated burglary charge, Fitzgerald was jailed for seven and a half years in February this year following a home invasion that terrorised a family including a six-year-old child. Sentencing was adjourned to July 7. Victim impact statements detailed the family's trauma and loss of safety following the shooting.
2025-05-08 · Dublin
A 48-year-old Dublin man has pleaded guilty to facilitating a criminal organisation at the Central Criminal Court. Patrick Fitzgerald, with an address in Finglas, admitted to participating in activities intended to facilitate serious offences by a criminal group between November 11th and 18th, 2021. He had been initially charged with attempted murder following an incident in Ballyfermot on November 17th, 2021, but the State indicated it will not proceed with that charge. The prosecution requested a victim impact statement be prepared ahead of sentencing. Mr Justice Paul McDermott remanded Fitzgerald in custody pending his sentence hearing scheduled for May 26th.
2025-03-06 · Donegal
Alan Vial and Nikita Burns have been found guilty of murdering 66-year-old Robert Wilkin at the Central Criminal Court. The jury returned majority verdicts of ten to two against each accused. Wilkin's body was discovered in the sea below Sliabh Liag cliffs in County Donegal on June 25, 2023, eight days after his death. The trial heard that Wilkin suffered at least two depressed fractures to the head before being thrown from the cliff. DNA evidence linked blood and hair found on a rock at the cliff top to the victim. Both accused blamed the other for the assault, but the prosecution argued they acted in joint enterprise to cause serious harm. Vial, aged 39 from Killybegs, and Burns, aged 23 from Carrick, had pleaded not guilty. Both will receive the mandatory life sentence at a sentencing hearing, where the victim's family will make statements to the court.
2025-03-06 · Donegal
Alan Vial and Nikita Burns were convicted of murder by a jury at the Central Criminal Court. The court found that the pair killed 66-year-old Robert Wilkin and disposed of his body by throwing it off Sliabh Liag, Ireland's tallest cliffs. Following their convictions, Vial and Burns face the mandatory term of life imprisonment for murder. The prosecution alleged that the defendants struck Wilkin with a rock, stole his cash and personal items, and fabricated a story claiming he had sexually assaulted Burns. Vial testified in his own defence, alleging Wilkin attacked him first, but the jury rejected his account. The State Pathologist testified that the blows to Wilkin's head would not have caused instant death, contradicting Vial's claims. The court noted Vial's history of offending and his attempts to destroy evidence, including washing blood from his hands at Teelin Pier. The matter was finalised with the mandatory life sentences imposed on both defendants.
2025-02-04 · Dublin
Three men have been sentenced at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court following a violent home invasion in Monkstown, Co Dublin on August 21st, 2023. Michael Royal, Thomas Dwyer and Patrick Fitzgerald pleaded guilty to aggravated burglary and false imprisonment. The court heard that four men, one of whom remains unidentified, forced their way into the family home in the early morning, restraining a man in his 70s with cable ties and removing his wife, daughter and six-year-old grandchild from their beds. During the attack, the homeowner was struck on the head with a metal bar, requiring 13 staples, and his daughter was dragged by her hair when attempting to escape. The intruders demanded information related to a bank where the victim had worked two decades earlier. Judge Martin Nolan imposed a headline sentence of ten and a half years, sentencing Royal and Fitzgerald to seven and a half years each and Dwyer to five and a half years, taking account of his comparative youth and lesser criminal history.
2024-12-12 · Donegal
Former Sinn Féin leader Gerry Adams has secured a trial date for his High Court defamation action against the BBC. Mr Adams, aged 76, alleges that the broadcaster falsely claimed he sanctioned the killing of Denis Donaldson in Glenties, County Donegal in 2006. The allegations were made in a 2016 BBC Spotlight programme and a subsequent article on the BBC website. Mr Adams denies any involvement in Mr Donaldson's death. The BBC denies defamation, contending the programme and publication were made in good faith and constituted responsible journalism following careful investigation. Mr Justice Alexander Owens fixed the case for trial on 29 April 2025 at the Four Courts in Dublin, with proceedings expected to last up to three weeks. The action follows preliminary hearings and discovery disputes that delayed the case.
2024-10-10 · Donegal
The High Court has set a hearing date for former Sinn Féin leader Gerry Adams' defamation action against the BBC. Mr. Adams claims the broadcaster falsely alleged he sanctioned the 2006 killing of Denis Donaldson in Glenties, Co Donegal. The case centres on a 2016 BBC Spotlight programme and a related webpage article. The BBC denies defamation, asserting the content was published in good faith and constituted responsible journalism on a subject of public interest. At the hearing, Mr. Justice Alex Owens fixed April 29, 2025, for the trial at the Four Courts, which is expected to last up to three weeks. Counsel for the BBC noted that several witnesses, including some from overseas, would be involved. The matter was adjourned to this date following delays caused by preliminary issue hearings and document discovery. Previously, in July 2020, Mr. Justice Charles Meenan directed the BBC to provide discovery of documents, while refusing Mr. Adams' application for further particulars of the BBC's defence. Additionally, in March 2022, the High Court dismissed Mr. Adams' bid to strike out parts of the BBC's defence. The court has now scheduled the substantive hearing for next spring.
2022-03-11 · Dublin
The High Court in Dublin has ruled that the BBC is entitled to discover documents former Sinn Féin leader Gerry Adams may hold concerning his alleged IRA membership and involvement with the organisation's Army Council. Ms Justice Emily Egan rejected Mr Adams' argument that such discovery would be unduly burdensome, noting she doubted a clandestine organisation would retain formal documentation. However, the court dismissed the BBC's application for discovery of materials relating to comments Mr Adams allegedly made at a 1987 press conference regarding consequences for informers. The ruling came in Mr Adams' defamation action against the broadcaster over a 2016 Spotlight programme claiming he sanctioned the 2006 killing of Denis Donaldson near Glenties, County Donegal. Mr Adams denies the allegation. The judge also rejected his bid to strike out the BBC's defences of qualified privilege and fair publication on matters of public interest, determining these issues should proceed to jury trial.
2021-12-14 · Donegal
The BBC is seeking discovery of documents relating to former Sinn Féin leader Gerry Adams's alleged association with the IRA in defending a defamation claim brought by Mr Adams in the High Court. The BBC also seeks materials concerning Mr Adams's alleged knowledge of IRA discipline and a 1987 press conference statement. Mr Adams is suing the corporation over a 2016 BBC Spotlight broadcast and subsequent website article, which he alleges falsely claimed he sanctioned the 2006 killing of former Sinn Féin official Denis Donaldson near Glenties, County Donegal. Mr Adams denies involvement in Mr Donaldson's death. The BBC denies defamation, arguing the broadcast and article constituted responsible journalism on a matter of public interest. Mr Adams's counsel sought to strike certain defences from the BBC's pleading, arguing they are bound to fail given subsequent information about alternative suspects. Justice Emily Egan heard pre-trial motions on the matter, with proceedings continuing.
2020-03-18 · Donegal
The High Court has approved a settlement of €35,000 to the family of Brian McElhinney, a retired building contractor from Glenties, County Donegal, who died in December 2014 months after undergoing a medical procedure at Letterkenny University Hospital. Mr McElhinney's widow, Rosaleen, sued the HSE on behalf of herself and her late husband's dependents, alleging negligence in connection with a lumbar puncture performed in July 2014. Following the procedure, Mr McElhinney allegedly experienced severe pain and paralysis from the waist down, requiring extended hospitalisation. He was discharged in late August 2014 but died four months later. While his death was attributed to underlying conditions including myelofibrosis, the family claimed the procedure and alleged failure in its management significantly accelerated his death and caused them mental distress. The HSE had denied negligence. Mr Justice Kevin Cross approved the settlement on Wednesday, with the payment to be divided among family members.
2018-06-28 · Dublin
A 27-year-old Dublin man has been sentenced to 16 months in prison for violent disorder at a public house in Finglas. Dean Thomas of Glenties Drive pleaded guilty to his role in the incident at the Cardiff Inn, Cardiffsbridge Road, on 19 October 2017. Dublin Circuit Criminal Court heard that Thomas kicked, punched and stomped on a man during an altercation between two groups, after the injured party arrived with associates and approached Thomas's group with a baseball bat. Judge Martin Nolan noted that while Thomas's group had acted in self-defence initially, the encounter subsequently escalated to vengeance. The court heard character references describing Thomas as a talented footballer and popular with pub staff and customers, and noted his expression of remorse. Thomas has 11 previous convictions for minor offences. Other participants in the violent disorder received sentences ranging from nine months to two and a half years.
2017-12-08 · Donegal
Five men charged with violent disorder following an alleged altercation at a public house in Finglas, Dublin, on 19 October have been refused bail by the High Court. David Mulvey, aged 35, Robert Gaynor, aged 27, and Shane Thomas, aged 25, all of addresses in Finglas, Christopher Duggan, aged 28, of no fixed address, and Scott Capper, aged 24, of Cappagh Green in Finglas, face charges relating to an incident at The Cardiff Inn on Cardiffsbridge Road. The State objected to bail applications on grounds including the O'Callaghan principles and Section 2 of the Bail Act 1997. Evidence was heard from gardaí and a Detective Chief Superintendent from the National Bureau of Criminal Investigation regarding concerns about the risk of further serious offences. Mr Justice Patrick McCarthy refused bail for all five accused and remanded them in custody.
2017-11-21 · Donegal
The High Court has ordered the surrender of Damien Joseph McLaughlin to Northern Ireland under a European Arrest Warrant. McLaughlin, 40, was arrested in Donegal and faces allegations that he aided and abetted the murder of prison officer David Black on November 1st, 2012. He is also charged with engaging in conduct in preparation for acts of terrorism and being a member of a proscribed organisation. These charges remain alleged or contested, with no plea, finding, or sentence recorded at this pretrial stage. His barrister, David Leonard BL, opposed the surrender, arguing McLaughlin would face inhumane treatment due to full-body searches in Maghaberry Prison. Ms Justice Aileen Donnelly initially sought further information from Northern Irish authorities regarding the necessity of these searches. The Head of the Northern Irish Prison Service responded that such measures were necessary to address severe threats from dissident republicans, noting that alternative technologies had not proven equally effective. Ms Justice Donnelly accepted that full-body searches were necessary in the specific high-risk context of Northern Ireland and did not contravene Article 3 of the European Convention on Human Rights. Consequently, the court rejected the objection and ordered McLaughlin's surrender.
2017-10-20 · Donegal
A High Court judge has requested further information on strip searches in a Northern Ireland prison before deciding on the extradition of an unnamed 40-year-old defendant. The defendant, Mr Damien Joseph McLaughlin, was arrested in County Donegal last March under a European Arrest Warrant issued by Northern Ireland authorities. He is wanted in connection with the murder of prison officer David Black in 2012, as well as charges related to engaging in conduct in preparation for acts of terrorism and being a member of a proscribed organisation. The maximum penalties applicable to each of the four offences are ten years, 15 years, and two penalties of life imprisonment. The judge rejected claims that restrictions on movement or strip searches in Maghaberry prison would constitute inhuman or degrading treatment. However, she noted that the use of full-body searches may be unnecessary due to available technology, as indicated by credible evidence from a Joint Oireachtas Committee. The judge requested further information from the Minister for Justice and the UK regarding the use of such technology. A resumed hearing will take place on November 21, and Mr McLaughlin was remanded in custody until that date.
2017-07-26 · Donegal
A 40-year-old man arrested in County Donegal is awaiting a High Court decision on his extradition to Northern Ireland. Damien Joseph McLaughlin, with an address in the Glenties area, was detained last March under a European Arrest Warrant in connection with the 2012 murder of prison officer David Black. He faces allegations of aiding and abetting in the killing, which occurred on the M1 motorway, along with charges related to possession of an article for use in murder, preparation for acts of terrorism, and membership of a proscribed organisation. His legal team opposed extradition on human rights grounds, citing concerns about conditions at Maghaberry prison. Justice Aileen Donnelly adjourned proceedings to allow presentation of additional evidence, including an affidavit from Maureen O'Sullivan TD regarding prison conditions. Following no further submissions from the defence, the judge reserved judgment until October 20th. Mr McLaughlin remains in custody pending that determination.
2017-07-19 · Donegal
A 40-year-old man from Belfast, arrested in County Donegal in March on a European Arrest Warrant, appeared before the High Court on 19 July to contest his extradition to Northern Ireland. The man faces charges relating to the November 2012 murder of prison officer David Black, as well as allegations of involvement in preparation for acts of terrorism and membership of a proscribed organisation. His legal team argued there is a real risk of treatment contrary to Article 3 of the European Convention on Human Rights if he is returned, citing concerns about forced body searches at Maghaberry prison conducted in what they described as a degrading and aggressive manner. The State's counsel contended there was insufficient evidence to support such claims, noting the reported incidents occurred seven years prior. Justice Aileen Donnelly adjourned the matter to 26 July to allow further evidence to be presented and clarification sought regarding an affidavit submitted in support of the application. The applicant was remanded in custody pending the resumed hearing.
2017-04-26 · Dublin
Patrick Fitzgerald, aged 40, of Glenties Park, Finglas, Dublin, has avoided a custodial sentence following an incident on River Road, Castleknock, County Dublin. On 18 August 2014, following a serious motor collision in which a vehicle overturned, Fitzgerald entered a parked car without consent and directed the driver to transport him to Ashtown. The driver repeatedly asked him to leave but continued driving approximately 500 metres before refusing to proceed further, at which point Fitzgerald exited the vehicle. He pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to interfering with the control of a car by threat of force or intimidation. Judge Melanie Greally suspended a two-year prison sentence conditional on Fitzgerald keeping the peace for that period. The court heard evidence of his previous convictions, including 49 road traffic offences, and noted his efforts to address historical alcohol difficulties.
2017-03-03 · Donegal
A man arrested in County Donegal on a European Arrest Warrant appeared at the High Court in Dublin in connection with the murder of David Black, a Northern Ireland prison officer shot dead on the M1 motorway in November 2012. Damien Joseph McLaughlin, aged 40 and with an address in Belfast, faces charges of aiding and abetting the murder and possession of an article suspected for use in the killing. He is also charged with engaging in conduct in preparation for acts of terrorism and membership of a proscribed organisation. Detective Sergeant Padraig Boyce of the Special Detective Unit outlined the arrest made in Donegal on Thursday. The defence argued excessive force was used during apprehension and challenged the validity of the arrest. Ms Justice Aileen Donnelly rejected the application, noting the serious nature of the terrorism allegations and that the accused had previously breached bail conditions in Northern Ireland. She found the arrest lawful and proportionate. Mr McLaughlin was remanded in custody with the case listed for mention on 20th March.
2016-11-16 · Dublin
An unemployed courier from Glenties Road, Finglas, Dublin has been sentenced to six years imprisonment following his conviction for drug and firearms offences. Ken McDermott, aged 47, pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to possession for sale or supply of controlled drugs and unlawful possession of firearms on 27 May 2015. Gardaí arrested McDermott after he collected two rucksacks containing a .32 Colt revolver, a .38 Remington revolver with ammunition, cocaine valued at approximately €219,104, and ecstasy tablets estimated at €256,820. Additional controlled substances were recovered from a vehicle at the Finglas location. The total estimated street value of drugs seized exceeded €483,000. Judge Melanie Greally noted McDermott's guilty plea and family circumstances as mitigating factors but stated he failed to consider the community impact of his actions. The judge recommended Mountjoy Prison for his detention to facilitate family contact.
2016-11-02 · Dublin
An unemployed man from Glenties was remanded for sentencing after pleading guilty to serious drugs and firearms offences at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court. Ken McDermott, aged 47, admitted possession for sale or supply of controlled drugs and unlawful possession of firearms following his arrest in Finglas on May 27, 2015. Gardaí intercepted a vehicle at Dublin Port acting on confidential information about a planned firearms importation. McDermott was observed transferring rucksacks from a car to a van, which officers then stopped. A search recovered two revolvers and ammunition, along with cocaine and ecstasy tablets with an estimated street value exceeding €483,000. McDermott told gardaí he had agreed to participate in the importation to support his family following the collapse of his courier business. Judge Melanie Greally adjourned the case to November 16 for consideration of sentence.
2016-06-30 · Dublin
A man has been sentenced to three years imprisonment at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court for his role in two violent car-jackings committed on the same night in April 2014. David Thomas, aged 32, of Glenties Avenue, Finglas, Dublin, pleaded guilty to unlawful seizure of a vehicle at Shankill, Dublin. The court heard that Thomas and another man pulled the driver from his car, assaulted him, and threatened to shoot him after he witnessed their faces. The stolen vehicle was subsequently abandoned on the N11 near Wicklow. Thomas went on to forcibly remove a second driver from a van in the vicinity. Judge John Aylmer imposed a concurrent sentence, stating the Shankill incident was the more serious offence. The victim reported experiencing significant fear and psychological distress following the attack. The defence argued the incidents constituted a chaotic, alcohol-fuelled episode, with no actual firearm involved.