Courts / Dublin / Report

Dublin man facing 10-year mandatory minimum sentence over "Crumlin/Drimnagh" shooting

Date
2016-12-15

Stage
Sentence

Primary locality
Crumlin

County
Dublin

Summary

James Walsh, 30, pleaded guilty to possession of a pistol firearm with intent to endanger life at the Church of the Transfiguration, Clondalkin, on 26 March 2014. The offence arose from a shooting that occurred at the church that evening. Walsh's plea was accepted by the Director of Public Prosecutions and a nolle prosequi was entered on a count of attempted murder of Michael Frazer, 37, who was shot and later presented to Clondain Garda Station bleeding and distressed. Walsh had a prior firearms offence in 2006, for which he was convicted in 2007. Counsel for the DPP argued that a mandatory minimum of 10 years applies to a second firearms offence under legislation enacted 1 November 2006. Counsel for Walsh contended that the court was not bound to impose the minimum and urged consideration of his guilty plea and rehabilitation efforts. Judge Patrick McCarthy noted the seriousness of firearms offences and the limited discretion in sentencing.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Dublin man facing 10-year mandatory minimum sentence over "Crumlin/Drimnagh" shooting. Charges or matters: possession of a pistol firearm with intent to endanger life at the Church of the Transfiguration, Bawnogue Road, Clondalkin, on March 26, 2014; it. Procedural stage: sentence. Findings: Convicted

When:

March 26, 2014 Incident
December 21 Incident
April 2006 Incident
May 2007 Incident
November 1, 2006 Incident
2016-12-15 Publication

Case subjects

James Walsh

Convicted Person

Charges: possession of a pistol firearm with intent to endanger life at the Church of the Transfiguration, Bawnogue Road, Clondalkin, on March 26, 2014; it (Proven)

Plea: Guilty

Finding: Convicted

Outcome: Convicted; Walsh will be sentenced for the firearms offence at the Central Criminal Court on December 21 next. Mr Justice McCarthy said he would impose sentence on December 21 next.; Walsh was remanded in custody to appear before the court on that date.