Courts / Louth / Report

Serial offender who fired shots pledges 'never' to come before courts again

Date
2023-10-23

Stage
Sentence

Primary locality
Dundalk

County
Louth

Summary

William Duffy, 40, of Dundalk, pleaded guilty last July to discharging a firearm recklessly at Marian Park on 28 May 2019, an act originally charged as attempted murder. The incident involved a confrontation with Keith Shields, who fled after hearing two shots and later called 999. CCTV showed Duffy leaving a hospital four hours before the shooting, arriving at the park, and positioning himself near Shields. DNA from Duffy's home matched shell casings found at the scene, though Duffy denied shooting and claimed possible accidental contact with casings. He has 42 prior convictions, including theft, hit‑and‑run, affray, threatening behaviour and burglary. At the Central Criminal Court, Duffy expressed remorse, pledged never to appear before the courts again if given a chance, and was remanded in custody pending sentencing on 13 November. The judge adjourned the matter for sentencing.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Serial offender who fired shots pledges 'never' to come before courts again. Charges or matters: the reckless discharge of a weapon towards Keith Shields, who left a house in the area at around 11pm and began to walk into Marian Park on his way home. Procedural stage: sentence

When:

May 28, 2019 Incident
November 13 Adjournment
2023-10-23 Publication

Case subjects

William Duffy

Defendant

Charges: the reckless discharge of a weapon towards Keith Shields, who left a house in the area at around 11pm and began to walk into Marian Park on his way home (Admitted)

Plea: Guilty

Outcome: At Duffy's sentence hearing today at the Central Criminal Court, Seamus Clarke SC, prosecuting, said Duffy had pleaded guilty to the reckless discharge of a weapon towards Keith Shields, who left a house in the area at around 11pm and began to walk into Marian Park on his way home. I have never had a chance to address my drug issues." Ms Justice Biggs then adjourned the matter, for sentence, to November 13 and remanded Duffy in custody.; I have never had a chance to address my drug issues." Ms Justice Biggs then adjourned the matter, for sentence, to November 13 and remanded Duffy in custody.