Courts / Dublin / Report
Christmas Eve shooting victim was holding toddler in his arms, court hears as teen awaits sentence for removing machine gun
Summary
In a Special Criminal Court hearing, 18‑year‑old Jaures Kumbu pleaded guilty to removing a sub‑machine gun from a Christmas Eve party at Browne's Steakhouse in Blanchardstown, where Tristan Sherry shot Jason Hennessy Senior. Kumbu was holding a toddler in his arms when the shooting occurred. CCTV showed Hennessy placing the child in a booth before a struggle with Sherry, after which Hennessy was shot. The firearm fell to the ground and was later taken by another man. Kumbu, who had not brought the gun to the scene, picked it up and hid it in his tracksuit. The court considered a headline sentence of seven to ten years, with a presumptive minimum of five years, and adjourned sentencing to 2 December. The gun remains missing. Six men are to be tried tomorrow for Sherry's death. The case highlights the chaotic nature of the incident and Kumbu's lack of intent to use the weapon.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Christmas Eve shooting victim was holding toddler in his arms, court hears as teen awaits sentence for removing machine gun. Charges or matters: removing the firearm used by Tristan Sherry to shoot Jason Hennessy Senior at Browne's Steakhouse in Blanchardstown on December 24 last year. Procedural stage: sentence
When:
- December 24 Hearing Or Sentence
- December 24, 2023 Incident
- December 2 Adjournment
- Christmas Eve Incident
- 2024-11-04 Publication
Case subjects
Defendant
Charges: removing the firearm used by Tristan Sherry to shoot Jason Hennessy Senior at Browne's Steakhouse in Blanchardstown on December 24 last year (Admitted)
Plea: Guilty
Outcome: The presumptive minimum sentence for the offence is five years in prison but Mr Baker asked the court to depart from that given Kumbu's guilty plea, his age and the lack of premeditation.; Mr Justice Kerida Naidoo, presiding, adjourned sentencing until December 2.
Applicant
Outcome: Mr Justice Kerida Naidoo, presiding, adjourned sentencing until December 2.
Places mentioned
- Special Criminal Court
- Blanchardstown Main Street
Topics
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