Courts / Dublin / Report
Four years for man who pointed shotgun at unarmed gardai
Summary
Michael Donoghue, aged 21, pleaded guilty to possession of a firearm and making threats to kill after pointing a double‑barrel shotgun at unarmed, uniformed Gardaí at Stocking Hill, Rathfarnham, on 20 December 2023. The officers, who were in a marked patrol car and unarmed, described genuine fear for their lives and lasting professional and personal effects. Donoghue's shotgun was later found to be unloaded, but the Gardaí were unaware of this at the time. Judge Orla Crowe imposed a headline sentence of eight years, reduced to a five‑year term with the final 12 months suspended, requiring Donoghue to keep the peace, maintain good behaviour for two years and engage with the Probation Service for 12 months. The case highlighted the officers' shock, fear and ongoing trauma following the incident.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Four years for man who pointed shotgun at unarmed gardai. Charges or matters: possession of a firearm and making threats to kill at his home on December 20, 2023. Procedural stage: sentence
When:
- December 20, 2023 Incident
- Christmas Incident
- 2024-11-27 Publication
Why: She acknowledged that Donoghue had "significant medical difficulties that led to significant drug difficulties" but said while this gives a reason for his offending, it is not an excuse. CNI source report
Case subjects
Defendant
Charges: possession of a firearm and making threats to kill at his home on December 20, 2023 (Admitted)
Plea: Guilty
Outcome: She said the offence also carries a mandatory minimum term of five years unless there are exceptional circumstances in the case which would make the imposition of such a sentence unjustified.
Places mentioned
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