Courts / Dublin / Report
'Crack crazy' shooter opened fired on dad-of-two at door of own home, court hears
Summary
Joseph Richards, 35, pleaded guilty at the Central Criminal Court to conspiring to murder Robert Sheridan, a 45-year-old father-of-two who was fatally shot at his Ballymun home in October 2018. Prosecutors alleged that Richards, who has 99 previous convictions, was "crack crazy" and acted for payment, enlisting someone known to the victim to lure him to the door. Sheridan, who had received a Garda Information Message warning of threats to his life, sustained fatal gunshot wounds to the face. The court heard that Richards is currently serving a prison sentence of six years and five months. In mitigation, his counsel cited a traumatic upbringing, chronic drug addiction, and recent bereavement. Victim impact statements described the killing as a "cold-blooded execution" and detailed the lasting psychological trauma suffered by Sheridan's children. Mr Justice Paul McDermott adjourned the case to February 24 for finalisation.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: 'Crack crazy' shooter opened fired on dad-of-two at door of own home, court hears. Procedural stage: sentence
When:
- October 5, 2018 Hearing Or Sentence
- October 5 Other
- April 2021 Hearing Or Sentence
- July 2018 Hearing Or Sentence
- February 24 Adjournment
- 2026-02-16 Publication
Why: The court heard that Mr Sheridan had armed himself with a knife before answering the door because he feared for his safety. Court evidence reported by CNI
Case subjects
Accused
Plea: Guilty
Outcome: He said the defendant is currently serving a prison sentence of six years and five months.; Mr Justice Paul McDermott adjourned the case to February 24 for finalisation.
Places mentioned
- Dublin
- Poppintree
- Poppintree Crescent
- Ballymun
- The Central Criminal Court
- Lanesborough
- Lanesborough Square
Topics
Drugs Stage Sentence Violent Crime
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