Courts / Dublin / Report
'Spurious' legal arguments on privacy a 'shocking waste of public money': senior judge
Summary
Wayne Cooney, who pleaded not guilty to the murder of Jordan Davis and possessing a 9mm semi-automatic pistol and ammunition, was sentenced by Mr Justice Tony Hunt. The judge imposed the mandatory life imprisonment term for the murder, describing Cooney as an "extremely dangerous individual" who should not be considered for release until that danger is negated. He further sentenced Cooney to 13 years each for the firearm and ammunition possession, with these terms running concurrently with the life sentence. The court heard that Cooney has 21 previous convictions. Mr Justice Hunt criticized recurring legal arguments regarding CCTV privacy as a "shocking waste of public money," urging the Court of Appeal to rule on the matter. Although the defense indicated the jury's verdict is likely to be appealed, the sentencing hearing itself was not adjourned. The judge noted that the prosecution alleged Davis owed €70,000 to a local drug dealer, and that Cooney fired eight times, striking Davis three times. The judge emphasized that Davis had a right to life, despite his alleged involvement in crime, and praised An Garda Síochána for their investigation.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: 'Spurious' legal arguments on privacy a 'shocking waste of public money': senior judge. Charges or matters: the murder of Jordan Davis at a lane-way beside Our Lady of Immaculate National School in Darndale in Dublin on May 22 2019; possessing a 9mm semi-automatic pistol and to possessing ammunition in circumstances that give rise to the reasonable inference that he did not have them for lawful purposes. Procedural stage: appeal
When:
- May 22 2019 Incident
- January 2019 Hearing Or Sentence
- May 2019 Hearing Or Sentence
- 2022-07-08 Publication
Why: The trial heard that before the murder a local drug dealer threatened to kill Mr Davis because he owed him €70,000. CNI source report
Case subjects
Convicted Person
Charges: the murder of Jordan Davis at a lane-way beside Our Lady of Immaculate National School in Darndale in Dublin on May 22 2019; possessing a 9mm semi-automatic pistol and to possessing ammunition in circumstances that give rise to the reasonable inference that he did not have them for lawful purposes (Alleged Or Contested)
Plea: Not guilty
Outcome: Mr Justice Hunt sentenced Cooney to the mandatory term of life imprisonment for murder, saying that Cooney is "obviously an extremely dangerous individual". The judge sentenced Cooney to 13 years each for possession of the firearm and ammunition he used to murder Mr Davis.
Places mentioned
- Court of Appeal
- Supreme Court
- Glenshane Drive
- Belcamp Lane
Topics
Drugs Stage Appeal Violent Crime
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