Courts / Dublin / Report
Man who tried to murder friend in case that "might as well have appeared in a Love/Hate script" withdraws appeal
Summary
Patrick McCann, 24, of Ballyfermot, pleaded guilty to attempted murder of 19‑year‑old Luke Wilson and to possession of a firearm with intent to endanger life. The incident occurred on 13 January 2013 at Liffey Gaels, Memorial Park, Inchicore, when Wilson was shot in the arm, neck and face but escaped injury because the gun jammed twice and McCann fled. In sentencing, Mr Justice Paul Carney described the case as "might as well have appeared in the Love/Hate script" and imposed a 20‑year sentence, suspending the final three years. He cited McCann's long‑standing dependence on alcohol and drugs and a dysfunctional family background as mitigating factors. McCann was due to appeal the sentence, but after a hearing in the Court of Appeal, his barrister Keith Spencer announced that McCann wished to withdraw the appeal.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Man who tried to murder friend in case that "might as well have appeared in a Love/Hate script" withdraws appeal. Charges or matters: the attempted murder of Luke Wilson (19) at Liffey Gaels, GAA club, Memorial Park, Inchicore on January 13, 2013; possession of a firearm with intent to endanger life on the same occasion. Procedural stage: appeal
When:
- January 13, 2013 Incident
- 2017-12-01 Publication
Why: The court heard that Mr Wilson was shot in the arm, neck and face but escaped injury because the gun jammed twice and McCann ran off. Court evidence reported by CNI
Case subjects
Defendant
Charges: the attempted murder of Luke Wilson (19) at Liffey Gaels, GAA club, Memorial Park, Inchicore on January 13, 2013; possession of a firearm with intent to endanger life on the same occasion (Admitted)
Plea: Guilty
Outcome: Mr Justice Carney handed down a 20-year sentence and suspended the final three years of it. McCann was due to appeal against the severity of his sentence today.
Places mentioned
- Decies Road
- Dublin
- Memorial Park
- The Memorial Park
- The Central Criminal Court
- Court of Appeal
Topics
Drugs Stage Appeal Violent Crime
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