Courts / Louth / Report

Man to stand trial at Special Criminal Court in connection with drive-by shooting

Summary

In October 2020, the Special Criminal Court will hear the case of Caolan Smyth, 28, who was arrested in October 2019 for attempted murder after a shooting at a Topaz garage in Clonshaugh, north Dublin, on 10 May 2017. Smyth, who was charged at Coolock Garda station, was found guilty of attempted murder and the DPP requested a trial in the Special Criminal Court, a request that was granted. The court also heard the case of Gary McAreavy, 52, of Castlebellingham, who faces a connected charge of impeding a prosecution for the same incident. McAreavy was ordered to sign daily at Dundalk Garda Station, obey a 9 pm‑7 am curfew, and was granted legal aid. Judge Tony Hunt set the trial date for 5 October 2020 and remanded McAreavy on continuing bail to appear again on 28 May 2021. The proceedings remain at the trial stage, with no verdict or sentencing announced.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Man to stand trial at Special Criminal Court in connection with drive-by shooting. Charges or matters: attempted murder. Procedural stage: charge_or_pretrial

When:

• May 10th, 2017 Incident
• October 2019 Incident
• January 20th Incident
• May 10, 2017 Hearing Or Sentence
• Monday, October 5th 2020 Hearing Or Sentence
• Thursday, May 28th Adjournment
• 2020-02-10 Publication

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Stage Charge Or Pretrial Violent Crime

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Read the original CNI report