Courts / Carlow / Report
Violent criminal who fired 'slam bang' gun sees sentence increased but balance suspended
Summary
Andrew Delaney, a violent criminal who fired an improvised 'slam bang' gun at another man, had his sentence increased but the balance suspended by the Court of Appeal. Delaney, who wore a balaclava and shouted 'I will kill you' before firing the gun, was initially sentenced to five years with two suspended. The State appealed, arguing the sentence was too lenient. The Court of Appeal ruled the sentence had a frailty in principle and increased it to six years and six months, with the remainder suspended. Delaney had pleaded guilty to possessing a firearm and ammunition, and was also sentenced for possessing benzocaine and being a passenger in a stolen vehicle. The court noted the premeditated nature of the attack and the lack of cooperation with gardaí. Delaney's previous convictions for assault and criminal damage were also considered. The court emphasized the seriousness of the offense and the need for a higher sentence. However, as Delaney secured a place in a residential treatment center, the court suspended the remaining portion of the sentence to allow him to complete the program.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Violent criminal who fired 'slam bang' gun sees sentence increased but balance suspended. Charges or matters: possessing a firearm (improvised to discharge a 12-gauge cartridge) at Mullawn Crescent, Tullow, Co Carlow on March 6, 2023. Procedural stage: appeal
When:
- March 6, 2023 Incident
- July 31, 2024 Incident
- April 4, 2022 Incident
- 2026-07-27 Publication
Why: Mr Storan said there was no evidence as to whether there was a motive for the attack. CNI source report
Case subjects
Respondent
Charges: possessing a firearm (improvised to discharge a 12-gauge cartridge) at Mullawn Crescent, Tullow, Co Carlow on March 6, 2023 (Admitted)
Plea: Guilty
Outcome: Andrew Delaney (31), the five-year sentence with the final two years suspended imposed on him at Carlow Circuit Court suffered from a frailty in principle. Delaney was sentenced to five years in prison with two suspended on July 31, 2024, by Judge Eugene O'Kelly at Carlow Circuit Court.
Places mentioned
- Court of Appeal
- Carlow
- Carlow Circuit Court
Topics
Stage Appeal Theft Violent Crime
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