Courts / Clare / Report

€10m Monet basher loses conviction appeal

Date
2016-07-29

Stage
Appeal

Primary locality
Shannon

County
Clare

Summary

Andrew Shannon, aged 50, was convicted for damaging Claude Monet's 1874 painting 'Argenteuil Basin with a Single Sail Boat' at the National Gallery of Ireland on 29 June 2012. CCTV showed him striking the canvas, causing a substantial tear. He was sentenced to six years' imprisonment, with 15 months suspended, on 4 December 2014. Shannon appealed the conviction, arguing the damage was accidental after a coronary episode. The Court of Appeal dismissed the appeal, ruling the trial was satisfactory and the conviction safe. The court noted the separate incidents at the National Gallery and the Shelbourne Hotel, the latter of which he was acquitted. The appeal was dismissed, and Shannon expressed a desire to appeal to the Supreme Court. The case was heard by Mr Justice John Edwards, Mr Justice Garrett Sheehan and Mr Justice Alan Mahon. Andrew Shannon pleaded not guilty.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: €10m Monet basher loses conviction appeal. Charges or matters: damaging the Claude Monet painting entitled 'Argenteuil Basin with a Single Sail Boat (1874)' at the National Gallery of Ireland on Clare Street on June 29, 2012; the National Gallery incident by a jury at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court. Procedural stage: appeal. Findings: Acquitted

When:

June 29, 2012 Incident
January 8, 2014 Incident
December 4 2014 Incident
2016-07-29 Publication

Why: They were taking the mindset and motive from the first incident to allegedly prove that Shannon had "something against paintings" and "liked to put holes in paintings", Mr Bowman said. CNI source report

Case subjects

Andrew Shannon

Appellant

Charges: damaging the Claude Monet painting entitled 'Argenteuil Basin with a Single Sail Boat (1874)' at the National Gallery of Ireland on Clare Street on June 29, 2012; the National Gallery incident by a jury at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court (Alleged Or Contested)

Plea: Not guilty

Finding: Acquitted

Outcome: Acquitted; Judge Martin Nolan sentenced him to six years imprisonment with the final 15 months suspended on December 4 2014.