Gerard Mooney jailed for attempted murder after gun jammed

This report is a localnews.ie summary based on public court reporting and records; sources are listed below.

Gerard Mooney received a 12-year sentence for the attempted murder of Stephanie Clifton, with the final four years suspended. Justice Michael White imposed the sentence. The proceedings were reported on 18 January 2019.

Mooney pleaded guilty to attempting to murder Clifton at Cartron, County Roscommon, on 12 February 2017. He also admitted possessing a shotgun, threatening to kill or cause her serious harm, and criminal damage on that occasion. He pleaded guilty to burglary at the home of Stephen O’Donoghue, involving entry as a trespasser and assault causing harm to Clifton, and to harassing her between 7 and 12 February 2017.

Justice White imposed concurrent sentences of five years for burglary, eight years for firearm possession, three years for criminal damage, five years for threatening to kill and two years for harassment. All sentences were backdated to 15 February 2017, when Mooney first went into custody.

The judge ordered Mooney to have no direct or indirect contact with Clifton for 15 years after his release. Mooney entered a bond and accepted the terms.

The report said Mooney returned to O’Donoghue’s house, fired through the locked door and pointed a shotgun at Clifton’s head. He repeatedly pulled the trigger, but the gun did not fire. Justice White said Mooney had been ordered not to contact Clifton when he tried to murder her. In mitigation, the judge noted his mental health and alcohol and drug problems, and said he showed genuine remorse.