Courts / Dublin / Report
Getaway driver who used own car to aid murder of innocent dad is jailed
Summary
A 23-year-old man from Ballyfermot, Dublin has been sentenced to six years imprisonment at the Central Criminal Court for his role as a getaway driver in the murder of Alan O'Neill. Eric Shorthall pleaded guilty to impeding the apprehension or prosecution of Warren Nolan, who was convicted of shooting Mr O'Neill in the driveway of his Tallaght home on 27 May 2015. Shorthall provided a second getaway vehicle, strategically positioned and driven in convoy with the primary escape car used by the gunman. CCTV evidence showed the drivers communicating before the fatal attack. Mr Justice Paul McDermott noted the seriousness of Shorthall's active participation, imposing a headline sentence of nine years before reducing it to six years and nine months, having regard to his early guilty plea, youth, and remorse. The final nine months were suspended for two years on condition of compliance with probation and counselling services. The investigation remains ongoing. Mr O'Neill, described as a devoted family man, left a partner and three children.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Getaway driver who used own car to aid murder of innocent dad is jailed. Procedural stage: sentence. Findings: Convicted
When:
- May 27, 2015 Incident
- December 2018 Incident
- 2020-11-17 Publication
Why: The court heard that two Gardaí stopped Shorthall driving a Nissan Almera at an area known as the Belfry in Tallaght because they thought he looked very young; he was 18 at the time. Court evidence reported by CNI
Case subjects
Convicted Person
Finding: Convicted
Outcome: Convicted; A getaway driver who used his own car to aid a gangland-style hit on a loving father with no involvement in crime has been jailed for six years at the Central Criminal Court. A large number of the deceased's family attended to see him sentenced.
Places mentioned
- Central Criminal Court
- Muskerry Road
- Dublin
- Rowlagh Park
- Kiltalown Road
- Tallaght
Topics
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