Courts / Cork / Report
Drunk gunman's shotgun accidentally discharged when he "tripped over the family dog"
Summary
Cian Walsh, 30, from Cork, pleaded guilty to two counts of possessing a firearm and three counts of threatening to kill in September 2016. He was originally sentenced to six years in prison, with two years suspended, by Judge Gerard O'Brien. The Director of Public Prosecutions appealed, arguing the sentence was unduly lenient. The Court of Appeal, in a three‑judge panel headed by Mr Justice George Birmingham, re‑sentenced Walsh to five years in prison, adding an extra 12 months. The appeal was based on the fact that Walsh had a loaded sawn‑off shotgun with the safety off, was intoxicated, and threatened a woman. During the incident, one round discharged when he "tripped over the family dog". After the incident he fled in a vehicle, left the gun at St Joseph's Cemetery, and was apprehended shortly thereafter.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Drunk gunman's shotgun accidentally discharged when he "tripped over the family dog". Charges or matters: two counts of possessing a firearm and three counts of threatening to kill at two locations in Cork on September 25, 2016. Procedural stage: appeal
When:
- September 25, 2016 Incident
- May 30, 2017 Incident
- 2018-06-01 Publication
Case subjects
Appellant
Charges: two counts of possessing a firearm and three counts of threatening to kill at two locations in Cork on September 25, 2016 (Admitted)
Plea: Guilty
Outcome: He was sentenced at Cork Circuit Criminal Court to six years imprisonment with the final two suspended by Judge Gerard O'Brien on May 30, 2017. He was accordingly re-sentenced in the Court of Appeal to five years in prison, giving him an extra 12 months in jail.
Places mentioned
- Mercier Park
- Cork
- Cork Circuit Criminal Court
- Court of Appeal
Topics
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