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Drugs accused who made gang shooting claim had actually shot himself
Summary
Darren Nolan, 28, was called to his home by gardaí after he claimed he had been shot by three balaclava‑wearing men. His mother told officers that he had actually shot himself. A search of Nolan's bedroom revealed a handgun purchased online, over €16,000 of heroin and cocaine, and blood on the floor. Nolan pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to recklessly discharging a firearm, possession of heroin and cocaine for sale or supply, and making a false statement to gardaí. He also had four prior convictions for drink driving. Judge Karen O'Connor adjourned sentencing twice, first to allow reports to be prepared and then again to direct an updated probation report. The next hearing was set for 11 June 2021. The judge expressed concern about Nolan's perception of a bleak future but also offered encouragement that light exists at the end of a tunnel. The case remains pending.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Drugs accused who made gang shooting claim had actually shot himself. Charges or matters: recklessly discharging a firearm and to the 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: sentence
When:
- May 8, 2018 Incident
- June 11, 2021 Adjournment
- 2021-01-22 Publication
Why: He agreed that Nolan told gardaí he had made up the story about being shot because he "did not want people to think he is a lunatic". CNI source report
Case subjects
Accused
Charges: recklessly discharging a firearm and to the 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: At a previous sentence hearing Judge O'Connor said she was concerned that Nolan sees himself in a dark tunnel with no light at the end.; Credit: Collins) A drugs accused who claimed he had been shot by a gang, only for his mother to tell gardai he had in fact shot himself in the face, has had his sentencing further adjourned for updated reports.
Places mentioned
- Dublin
- Dublin Circuit Criminal Court
- Mater Hospital
- Eccles Street
- Dublin
Topics
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