Courts / Dublin / Report

Pair jailed for preying on innocent shooting victim in 'vicious extortion racket'

Summary

Two criminals have been jailed for seven and a half years for their parts in a murder conspiracy targeting Thomas McDonnell, an innocent victim of a "vicious extortion racket". Jason Dunne and Craig Hayes, who pleaded guilty to conspiring to murder McDonnell, were sentenced by Mr Justice Paul McDermott. The court heard that McDonnell, who had no involvement in criminality, was targeted because a family member owed a €100,000 drug debt. The judge noted the level of planning and the fact that the attack happened in broad daylight in a public place, which aggravated the offending. McDonnell, who suffered two bullet wounds and has ongoing health issues, was forced to leave Ireland out of fear for his and his family's safety. The judge set a headline sentence of ten years but reduced it to seven and a half years, taking into account the guilty pleas and lack of remorse from the defendants.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Pair jailed for preying on innocent shooting victim in 'vicious extortion racket'. Charges or matters: conspiracy to murder Mr McDonnell between November 28 and December 3, 2021. Procedural stage: sentence

When:

• December 3, 2021 Hearing Or Sentence
• November 28 Hearing Or Sentence
• 2026-07-31 Publication

Why: Det Gda Harrisson said the victim told him that he had been shot because a family member owed €100,000 to some unknown person. CNI source report

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Drugs Stage Sentence Violent Crime

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Read the original CNI report