Courts / Dublin / Report
20-year sentence for shooting friend: judge says case "might as well have appeared in the Love/Hate script"
Summary
Patrick McCann, aged 20, received a 20‑year sentence, with the final three years suspended, for the attempted murder of his friend Luke Wilson, aged 19, at Liffey Gaels GAA club in Inchicore on 13 January 2013. McCann pleaded guilty to attempted murder and to possession of a firearm with intent to endanger life. The court heard that Wilson was shot in the arm, neck and face, but the gun jammed twice and McCann fled. Wilson suffered serious injuries, including loss of an eye, cerebral stroke, and permanent arm palsy. McCann had prior convictions for drug possession, sale, theft and burglary, and was on bail at the time of the shooting. The judge noted McCann's long‑term drug and alcohol dependence and a dysfunctional family background as mitigating factors. The sentencing was described by the judge as reminiscent of a "Love/Hate" script.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: 20-year sentence for shooting friend: judge says case "might as well have appeared in the Love/Hate script". 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 at the same place on that date. Procedural stage: sentence
When:
- January 13, 2013 Incident
- 2013-11-18 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 at the same place on that date (Admitted)
Plea: Guilty
Outcome: Mr Justice Carney handed down a 20-year sentence and suspended the final three years of it.
Places mentioned
- Decies Road
- Memorial Park
- The Memorial Park
- The Central Criminal Court
- St. James's Hospital
- Ear Hospital
Topics
Burglary Drugs Stage Sentence Theft Violent Crime
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