Courts / Cork / Report
David Douglas shot six times, murder trial hears
Summary
The Special Criminal Court heard evidence in the ongoing trial of Lee Canavan (31), who has pleaded not guilty to the murder of David Douglas (55) at Shoestown, Bridgefoot Street, Dublin 1, on July 1, 2016. Former State Pathologist Professor Marie Cassidy testified via video-link that Mr Douglas died from six gunshot injuries sustained while standing in his shop doorway. She detailed that five bullets exited the body, while one remained in his trunk, causing extensive damage to his jaw and neck. The prosecution alleges this was a meticulously planned assassination, with Canavan identified as the shooter. They further claim a stolen Mercedes-Benz, linked to Canavan via fingerprints and DNA, was used as the getaway vehicle before being set alight. Canavan also denies a separate charge of criminal damage to a Suzuki Swift. This is the fourth prosecution related to the killing; previously, Frederick 'Fat Freddie' Thompson was jailed for life for the murder, Gareth Brophy received a ten-year sentence for acting as a getaway driver, and Nathan Foley pleaded guilty to assisting a criminal organisation, receiving a six-year sentence. The trial continues before Mr Justice Michael MacGrath and colleagues.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: David Douglas shot six times, murder trial hears. Charges or matters: murdering Mr Douglas (55) at Shoestown, Bridgefoot Street, Dublin 1, on July 1, 2016; murdering Mr Douglas; assisting a criminal organisation by driving one of four cars and buying mobile phones used in the offence. Procedural stage: sentence
When:
- July 1, 2016 Hearing Or Sentence
- July 4, 2016 Other
- July 2 Other
- June 2016 Other
- June 22, 2016 Other
- February 2020 Hearing Or Sentence
- 2021-03-04 Publication
Why: In her evidence, the expert witness said full body x-rays had been taken prior to the post-mortem in order to locate the bullets. CNI source report
Case subjects
Convicted Person
Charges: assisting a criminal organisation by driving one of four cars and buying mobile phones used in the offence (Alleged Or Contested)
Outcome: Fat Freddie' Thompson (41) was jailed for life by the Special Criminal Court for the murder of Mr Douglas. Gareth Brophy (26) was jailed in February 2020 for ten years by the Special Criminal Court for his role as getaway driver.
Accused
Charges: murdering Mr Douglas (55) at Shoestown, Bridgefoot Street, Dublin 1, on July 1, 2016; murdering Mr Douglas; assisting a criminal organisation by driving one of four cars and buying mobile phones used in the offence (Alleged Or Contested)
Convicted Person
Charges: assisting a criminal organisation by driving one of four cars and buying mobile phones used in the offence (Alleged Or Contested)
Outcome: Gareth Brophy (26) was jailed in February 2020 for ten years by the Special Criminal Court for his role as getaway driver. In 2019, Nathan Foley (22) of Maryland, Dublin 8, was jailed for six years after he pleaded guilty to assisting a criminal organisation by driving one of four cars and buying mobile phones used in the offence.
Accused
Charges: murdering Mr Douglas (55) at Shoestown, Bridgefoot Street, Dublin 1, on July 1, 2016; murdering Mr Douglas; assisting a criminal organisation by driving one of four cars and buying mobile phones used in the offence (Alleged Or Contested)
Plea: Not guilty
Convicted Person
Charges: assisting a criminal organisation by driving one of four cars and buying mobile phones used in the offence (Admitted)
Plea: Guilty
Outcome: Nathan Foley (22) of Maryland, Dublin 8, was jailed for six years after he pleaded guilty to assisting a criminal organisation by driving one of four cars and buying mobile phones used in the offence.
Accused
Charges: murdering Mr Douglas (55) at Shoestown, Bridgefoot Street, Dublin 1, on July 1, 2016; murdering Mr Douglas; assisting a criminal organisation by driving one of four cars and buying mobile phones used in the offence (Alleged Or Contested)
Places mentioned
- Special Criminal Court
- Bridgefoot Street
- Strand Road
- Lullymore Terrace
- Oliver Bond Street
Topics
Stage Sentence Theft Violent Crime
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