Courts / Dublin / Report
Drunk drugs 'patsy' shot himself in face
Summary
In a Dublin Circuit Criminal Court hearing, 27‑year‑old Darren Nolan pleaded guilty to recklessly discharging a firearm, possession of heroin and cocaine for sale or supply, and making a false statement to gardaí. Nolan had claimed he had been shot by three balaclava‑wearing men, but gardaí found evidence he had shot himself in the face with a blank‑firing handgun he had purchased online. Gardaí discovered over €16,000 of illegal drugs in his bedroom and a handgun in a drawer. Nolan admitted to drinking a bottle of whiskey and a shoulder of vodka before the incident and that he had threatened to shoot himself during an argument with his mother. He was described by counsel as a "patsy" who had no employment history and had been prescribed anti‑psychotic medication. Judge Karen O'Connor ordered a probation report and adjourned the case for finalisation on 30 October.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Drunk drugs 'patsy' shot himself in face. Charges or matters: recklessly discharging a firearm and to possession of heroin and cocaine for sale or supply at his address on May 8, 2018; making a false statement to gardaí at the Mater Hospital, Eccles Street, Dublin 7, also on May 8, 2018. Procedural stage: trial
When:
- May 8, 2018 Incident
- October 30 Adjournment
- 2020-07-24 Publication
Why: Dublin Circuit Criminal Court heard that Darren Nolan made up the story about being shot because he "did not want people to think he is a lunatic". Court evidence reported by CNI
Case subjects
Defendant
Charges: recklessly discharging a firearm and to possession of heroin and cocaine for sale or supply at his address on May 8, 2018; making a false statement to gardaí at the Mater Hospital, Eccles Street, Dublin 7, also on May 8, 2018 (Admitted)
Plea: Guilty
Outcome: Judge O'Connor ordered a probation report and adjourned the matter for finalisation on October 30, next.
Places mentioned
- Dublin
- Dublin Circuit Criminal Court
- Mater Hospital
- Eccles Street
- Dublin
Topics
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