Courts / Louth / Report
Alleged gunman in James Gately murder bid goes on trial
Summary
A 28-year-old man from County Meath has pleaded not guilty to the attempted murder of James Gately at a Dublin filling station in May 2017. Caolan Smyth has also denied charges of possessing a firearm with intent to endanger life. A 52-year-old County Louth man, Gary McAreavey, pleaded not guilty to assisting an offender by purchasing petrol and helping to burn out the vehicle used in the shooting. The trial, heard before the Special Criminal Court, was told that Mr Gately was shot five times at the Topaz garage on Clonshaugh Road and subsequently underwent surgery. The prosecution's case relies substantially on CCTV evidence tracking the movements of a black Lexus at the scene and at locations connected to the injured party, as well as evidence of the vehicle being found burned out in County Louth approximately one hour later. The trial continues before Mr Justice Tony Hunt and two other judges.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Alleged gunman in James Gately murder bid goes on trial. Charges or matters: his attempted murder; possession of a firearm with intent to endanger on that occasion, and went on trial before the non-jury court; acting to impede an apprehension or prosecution, 'by purchasing petrol and assisting in the burning out of the vehicle used in the attempted murder'. Procedural stage: trial
When:
- May 10th, 2017 Hearing Or Sentence
- 2020-10-09 Publication
Why: Counsel explained that the firearm was discharged into Mr Gately's body at short range and that he later underwent surgery due to a bullet to his neck. CNI source report
Case subjects
Defendant
Charges: his attempted murder; possession of a firearm with intent to endanger on that occasion, and went on trial before the non-jury court; acting to impede an apprehension or prosecution, 'by purchasing petrol and assisting in the burning out of the vehicle used in the attempted murder' (Alleged Or Contested)
Plea: Not guilty
Defendant
Charges: his attempted murder; possession of a firearm with intent to endanger on that occasion, and went on trial before the non-jury court; acting to impede an apprehension or prosecution, 'by purchasing petrol and assisting in the burning out of the vehicle used in the attempted murder' (Alleged Or Contested)
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