Courts / Wicklow / Report
Damp shotgun cartridges foiled hitman who tried to murder man in front of family
Summary
A 29‑year‑old man, Eoghan O'Connell, was sentenced for attempting to murder a Wicklow man in front of his wife and children. On 8 April 2016, O'Connell tried to shoot the victim twice as he left the family home, but the shotgun misfired both times because the cartridges were damp. The victim and his family later sold their home and moved away. O'Connell, who had pleaded guilty to the attempted murder, was brought before the Central Criminal Court for sentencing. He had a history of 65 convictions, including rape and assault. The victim's wife gave a detailed impact statement describing the lasting fear, anxiety, and disruption to the family's life. Mr Justice McCarthy was set to deliver the sentence on 16 March, with O'Connell remanded in custody until then.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Damp shotgun cartridges foiled hitman who tried to murder man in front of family. Charges or matters: attempting to murder the man in his driveway at Old Court Park, Bray on 8th April 2016. Procedural stage: sentence
When:
- 8th April 2016 Hearing Or Sentence
- 29th April Incident
- 2nd May 2016 Incident
- March 16th Adjournment
- 2018-02-20 Publication
Why: A convicted rapist will be sentenced next month for attempting to murder a Wicklow man in front of his wife and children, failing only because the shotgun cartridges he used were damp. CNI source report
Case subjects
Defendant
Charges: attempting to murder the man in his driveway at Old Court Park, Bray on 8th April 2016 (Admitted)
Plea: Guilty
Outcome: A convicted rapist will be sentenced next month for attempting to murder a Wicklow man in front of his wife and children, failing only because the shotgun cartridges he used were damp.; Mr Justice McCarthy will deliver sentence on March 16th and remanded the accused in custody until then.
Places mentioned
- Dargle Heights
- Bray
- Central Criminal Court
- Old Court Park
Topics
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