Man Who Shot His Neighbour Has Been Jailed For Fifteen Years

Tuesday, 26 April 2022 14:53

By Caoimhe Harney

The 34 year old woman was left with catastrophic, irreversible spinal injuries.

A man who left his neighbour paralysed after shooting her in her living room while her daughter hid under the kitchen table, has been jailed for fifteen years.

Dean McCarthy, of Bernard Curtis House, Bluebell Road, Dublin 12, pleaded guilty to the attempted murder of Sinead Connolly.

The shooting happened on March 6th last year, but the judge noted a “simmering undercurrent of threats and bullying” in the months leading up to it.

Relations between Dean McCarthy and Sinead Connolly were very poor.

On one occasion, he grabbed his nextdoor neighbour by the throat and spat in her face. He also threatened to put her in a body bag.

At her request, the court heard a number of men called to his flat because she was in fear of him.

He didn’t answer but shortly afterwards, someone brought a loaded gun to him, which he used to shoot Ms Connolly with after bursting into her home.

The 34 year old was left with catastrophic, irreversible spinal injuries.

Mr Justice Paul McDermott described the extreme nature of the violence deployed as “shocking.” He also remarked on the ease with which McCarthy managed to get his hands on a gun.

He sentenced him to 16 years for attempted murder but suspended the final 12 months.

More from National News

Sharp Rise In M9 Collisions With Garda Call-Outs Up Year-On-Year

The figures, provided by An Garda Síochána, show a sharp increase compared to previous years.
Councillor Seeks Clarity On How Often Nightclubs and Late Bars In Naas Are Inspected For Fire Risks

Kildare Fire Service says all venues applying to renew their annual dance licence through the District Court were inspected in advance of the hearings.
New Figures From CSO Reveal How Much International Protection Applicants Earn Compared To Average Worker In Ireland

The data also found that a majority of asylum seekers entered the workforce once permitted to do so
Unpaid Eight-Month Work And Training Placement For Adults With Disabilities Branded "Extremely Unfair"

One Kildare mother told Kfm News that their child had been attending structured placements each weekday, typically from around 9:30am to 3pm, and in some cases carrying out tasks for up to two hours at a time - but are not receiving any form of payment.
Department Of Education Defends Kildare SNA Cuts Amid Claims Of Reduced Need At Some Schools

They said there "are many reasons why the level of need for SNA support in schools may fluctuate including falling enrolments, reduced or increased care needs and changing demographics as children move from primary to post-primary schools".
Naas Nurses Threaten Escalation As Staffing Row Deepens

Nurses spoke to Kfm News this week about issues they are dealing with on a daily basis.
Driving Tests Face Disruption As RSA Testers To Strike Next Week

The driving test centre in Naas is the only driving test centre in Kildare and attracts candidates from Kildare, Dublin, Wicklow and Laois.
Jury Delivers Not Guilty By Reason Of Insanity Verdict In Ballyfin Demesne Strangling Case

31-year-old Henry McGowan, from Brooklyn, New York, was found to be having a psychotic episode when he strangled his father to death at the 5-star hotel.