Courts / Dublin / Report

Father and daughter jailed for five years over feud that saw infant shot in legs

Date
2018-11-23

Stage
Sentence

Primary locality
Dublin

County
Dublin

Summary

Dan Donovan, 49, and his daughter Charlene Donovan, 23, were sentenced at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court for offences committed on December 12, 2017, at Parslickstown Gardens, Mulhuddart, Dublin 15. Both pleaded guilty to possessing a shotgun with intent to endanger life and recklessly discharging a firearm. Dan Donovan additionally pleaded guilty to threatening to kill or cause serious harm to Michael Collins. The court heard that Charlene Donovan fired a shotgun across the road, injuring a 17-year-old man, his mother, and a six-month-old baby in the legs. Dan Donovan then took the weapon, threatened to "bury" Mr Collins, and accidentally discharged it into the ground. Judge Martin Nolan jailed both defendants for five years. He noted the ongoing dispute between the families and accepted that the Donovans were in fear, but emphasized the child's blamelessness. Charlene Donovan, who has no prior record and significant intellectual difficulties, broke down in tears upon hearing the sentence. Dan Donovan, who has previous minor road traffic convictions, was held by his daughter. The judge acknowledged the intimidating nature of the rival family but stated he was satisfied Charlene Donovan understood the consequences of her actions.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Father and daughter jailed for five years over feud that saw infant shot in legs. Charges or matters: possessing a shotgun with intent to endanger life and to recklessly discharging a firearm at Parslickstown Gardens, Mulhuddart, Dublin 15, on December 12, 2017; threatening to kill or cause serious harm to Michael Collins on the same date. Procedural stage: sentence

When:

December 12, 2017 Incident
2018-11-23 Publication

Case subjects

Charlene Donovan

Convicted Person

Charges: possessing a shotgun with intent to endanger life and to recklessly discharging a firearm at Parslickstown Gardens, Mulhuddart, Dublin 15, on December 12, 2017; threatening to kill or cause serious harm to Michael Collins on the same date (Alleged Or Contested)

Outcome: Credit: Collins) A father and daughter have been jailed for five years for firing a shotgun during an altercation in which a six-month-old baby was shot in the legs. On hearing the sentence Ms Donovan broke down in tears and was held tightly by her father.

Dan Donovan

Defendant

Plea: Guilty

Outcome: On hearing the sentence Ms Donovan broke down in tears and was held tightly by her father.