Courts / Dublin / Report

Mother of Steakhouse assassin tells court she was unable to recognise him as murderer gets life

Summary

The Special Criminal Court adjourned sentencing for three men convicted of the murder of Tristan Sherry, who was fatally beaten after shooting Jason Hennessy Senior at Browne's Steakhouse on Christmas Eve 2023. Michael Andrecut (23) was sentenced to mandatory life imprisonment. David Amah (19) and an unnamed 18-year-old, both 17 at the time of the offence, were also convicted of murder but are not subject to the mandatory life sentence; their sentencing was adjourned to May. Brandon Hennessy (21) and Jonas Kabangu (19) were convicted of violent disorder arising from the incident, with their sentencing also adjourned. Separately, Jaures Kumbu (19) pleaded guilty to a firearms offence for removing the sub-machine gun used in the shooting. He was sentenced to three years in prison, with the final year suspended for two years. The court noted Kumbu had no prior convictions and acted under exceptional circumstances, though the weapon was never retrieved. The hearing included victim impact statements from Sherry's mother and sister, who described their ongoing fear and trauma. Counsel for the defendants highlighted their youth, lack of weapons, and brief involvement in the disorder. The matter was adjourned and not concluded.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Mother of Steakhouse assassin tells court she was unable to recognise him as murderer gets life. Charges or matters: violent disorder; firearms offence; murder. Procedural stage: sentence. Findings: Convicted

When:

• December 24, 2023 Hearing Or Sentence
• Christmas Eve Other
• Christmas Incident
• 2025-04-10 Publication

Why: The mother of murdered gunman Tristan Sherry (26) was unable to recognise her son because his face was so badly beaten when a group set upon him after he fatally shot gangland figure Jason Hennessy Senior in a busy restaurant on Christmas Eve over two years ago, the Special Criminal Court has heard. CNI source report

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Stage Sentence Violent Crime

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Read the original CNI report