2010 report: Michael Brennan jailed for attempted murder

This report is a localnews.ie summary based on public court reporting and records; sources are listed below.

Michael Brennan received a ten-year sentence for attempted murder and an eight-year sentence for possession of a firearm, to run concurrently. Mr Justice Paul Carney imposed the sentences. The proceedings were reported on 15 March 2010.

Brennan, 22, from Cromcastle Drive, Kilmore, was a teenager when he and another man arranged the shooting of James Egan in April 2006. A jury convicted him in December of attempted murder and possession of a sawn-off shotgun.

The trial heard that Brennan and Wesley Byrne, who had since died, went to the victim’s flat at Kilmore Road in Coolock. James Egan was expecting them to cut up drugs. He was shot twice, in the stomach and leg, when he opened the door. He told the trial he did not see who was at the door.

The report said the gun was never recovered and there was no forensic evidence. Brennan was convicted on evidence from people who were in Byrne’s home that night and saw them with the gun.

Gardaí told the sentencing hearing there had been a constant threat of intimidation from the start of the investigation. Mr Justice Paul Carney said witnesses and the jury had overcome an atmosphere of intimidation. He noted that the victim had been driven from his home and community into hiding.

Brennan had 62 previous convictions, mainly for road traffic and public order offences. The judge took his age and background into account, while expressing concern that the unrecovered weapon remained available for use.

This report covers an earlier stage of the case. Later developments are not reported here.