Courts / Dublin / Report

Bullet fired from handgun to 'cause terror' grazed innocent grandmother

Summary

Jason Freeman, 26, was sentenced to seven years in prison after firing a handgun to "cause terror" in Ballymun. On 28 June 2020, Freeman pointed the gun at a man's head in a driveway, then moved it and discharged two shots that passed through the front door of a neighbouring house. One bullet grazed the head of the woman inside, who had children and a grandchild. She sustained a one‑inch wound requiring eight staples. Freeman pleaded guilty to possession of a 9mm handgun in suspicious circumstances and to recklessly discharging a firearm. He had 48 prior convictions, including robbery and assault. The court noted his intent was to instill fear, not to kill, and imposed the custodial sentence accordingly. The firearm was not recovered. The sentence was back‑dated to 30 June 2020.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Bullet fired from handgun to 'cause terror' grazed innocent grandmother. Charges or matters: possession of a 9mm handgun in suspicious circumstances at Shangan Park, Ballymun, on June 28, 2020. Procedural stage: sentence

When:

• June 28, 2020 Incident
• June 30 Other
• 2021-02-26 Publication

Why: Judge Nolan said any offence involving a firearm is serious because it is a "lethal weapon". CNI source report

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Stage Sentence Theft Violent Crime

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Read the original CNI report