Courts / Dublin / Report
Gunman gets 20-year sentence for trying to murder two gardai
Summary
Daniel Goulding, 39, of County Dublin, was sentenced at the Central Criminal Court for the attempted murder of two detective gardaí at his family home in Clonsilla on May 25, 2021. Goulding pleaded guilty to the charges. Mr Justice Paul McDermott set a headline sentence of 27 years for each attempted murder. The judge imposed a total prison sentence of 20 years, with the final two years suspended for a period of six years. The suspended portion is subject to conditions requiring close monitoring and compliance with recommended treatment upon release. The judge noted that Goulding suffered from a significant mental disorder, specifically paranoid schizophrenia, and was experiencing a psychotic episode at the time of the offence. He also credited Goulding's guilty plea and expressed regret. The court heard that Goulding opened fire from a bedroom window using a semi-automatic pistol and a sub-machine gun, injuring both officers in their legs and one in the hand. The judge described the attack as potentially lethal and highlighted the terrifying impact on the victims, who suffered long-term physical and psychological effects. The judge stated that while a life sentence was considered, the mitigating factors of Goulding's mental health and plea warranted the imposed term.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Gunman gets 20-year sentence for trying to murder two gardai. Charges or matters: the attempted murder of two detective gardaí at his family home on May 25, 2021. Procedural stage: sentence
When:
- May 25, 2021 Incident
- 2022-12-02 Publication
Case subjects
Defendant
Charges: the attempted murder of two detective gardaí at his family home on May 25, 2021 (Admitted)
Plea: Guilty
Outcome: Mr Justice McDermott set a headline sentence of 27 years for each attempted murder.
Places mentioned
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