Courts / Limerick / Report

Man jailed for 12 years for firing shots into house as infant twins slept appeals conviction

Date
2023-03-24
Stage
Appeal
Primary locality
Limerick
County
Limerick

Summary

Larry O'Connor, aged 40, was sentenced to 12 years' imprisonment in May 2022 after a two‑week trial in which he was convicted of recklessly discharging a firearm, possession of a firearm and ammunition, aggravated burglary and criminal damage. The offence involved firing four shots from a pump‑action shotgun into the home of his first cousin, Danny Harty, where infant twins were sleeping. O'Connor fired two shots from outside the house, then entered and fired two more shots, striking a kitchen fridge, a window and a ceiling. He was found to have acted without a feud or "bad feeling" between the cousins, a point he raised on appeal. The Court of Appeal heard arguments about the use of the term "bad feeling" and the relevance of alleged animosity, but no judgment was issued. Daniel O'Connor, his brother, received a seven‑year sentence with the final year suspended for burglary. The appeal remains pending. Daniel O'Connor pleaded guilty.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Man jailed for 12 years for firing shots into house as infant twins slept appeals conviction. Charges or matters: one count of burglary with intent to commit the reckless discharge of a firearm during the early stages of the trial. Procedural stage: appeal

When:

Why: " Mr Sammon submitted that the "suggestion of some sort of feud as a motive was extremely tenuous". CNI source report

Case subjects

Daniel O'Connor

Convicted Person

Charges: one count of burglary with intent to commit the reckless discharge of a firearm during the early stages of the trial (Admitted)

Plea: Guilty

Outcome: Daniel O'Connor was jailed for seven years with the final year suspended.

Places mentioned

Secondary Mention
Court Venue
  • Limerick
  • Limerick Circuit Criminal Court
  • Court of Appeal

Topics

Burglary Stage Appeal

Related court reports

Read the original CNI report

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