Businessman's dissident ordeal so bad he asked to be shot

A Co Down man has pleaded guilty to demanding money with menaces from a Mayo businessman in Omeath, Co Louth, in December 2017. Anthony Finglas, aged 49, appeared before the Special Criminal Court on charges arising from an incident in which the businessman was attacked by multiple assailants armed with iron bars and a knuckle-duster. The court heard that the victim was forced into a car boot and threatened with death unless he paid £50,000. Following the assault, the businessman reported receiving threatening phone calls and messages demanding payment. A victim impact statement indicated the man suffered severe psychological trauma, including suicidal ideation. Finglas's defence counsel argued his client played a minor role in the attack and showed restraint by urging the assailants to cease the violence. The defendant entered an early guilty plea and cooperated with gardaí. The Special Criminal Court adjourned sentencing to December 15th, with the maximum penalty for the offence being fourteen years imprisonment.