Courts / Wicklow / Report
Octogenarian huntsman shot man meditating in back garden
Summary
An 81-year-old huntsman, Maurice Mahon, was convicted of recklessly discharging a firearm and assaulting a man in his back garden during a deer cull. The victim, Innokenti Belaga, was meditating when a bullet from Mahon's rifle shattered his femur, leaving him with severe physical and psychological injuries. Mahon, a licensed gun holder and karate grandmaster, claimed he thought he was shooting a fox or a dog. The victim's life was drastically altered, with him losing his home, his ability to work, and his ability to engage in physical activities. He described the incident as a life-changing event, with the biggest impact being on his young daughter, who lost her father's presence. Mahon was found guilty after a trial and is awaiting sentencing. His defense highlighted his long-standing involvement in hunting and his good character, but the court heard that the victim's injuries were severe and life-altering. The case has also led to civil proceedings, and the court ordered a Probation Service assessment before finalizing the sentence. Maurice Mahon pleaded not guilty.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Octogenarian huntsman shot man meditating in back garden. Charges or matters: both counts. Procedural stage: sentence. Findings: Convicted
When:
- August 28, 2022 Hearing Or Sentence
- July 27 Adjournment
- 2026-04-16 Publication
Why: He said because of the level of care required for the year after the shooting, he lost his rented home and is now living homeless, which is made harder by his disability. CNI source report
Case subjects
Convicted Person
Charges: both counts (Proven)
Plea: Not guilty
Finding: Convicted
Outcome: Convicted; During the sentence hearing at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court, prosecuting counsel Brian Storan BL told Judge Elma Sheahan that the State's case was that not that Mahon intended to cause harm but that he was reckless in his actions.; Judge Sheahan ordered a Probation Service assessment and adjourned finalisation of sentence to July 27.
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