A man who indiscriminately fired two shots from a revolver during disturbances at the Smithfield horse fair has been jailed for five years.
Christopher Quilligan (23) pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to violent disorder and possession of a revolver at Smithfield on March 6th, 2011.
The March fair is the biggest of the year and attracted up to 4,500 traders, tourists and members of the public. Violence erupted on the day between two groups involved in a dispute. A number of other people have already been sentenced for their roles in the incident.
Quilligan, formerly of Sundale Drive, Tallaght, Dublin, but now living in Newbridge, Co Kildare, had 13 previous convictions for minor offences.
Judge Martin Nolan said Quilligan was a young man caught up in the throes of a feud at the time and had fired two shots indiscriminately close to a crowd in order to terrify his opponents.
He said he was satisfied he was not a ringleader but it was a serious offence and he must undergo a substantial sentence. He took into account factors such as his expression of remorse, his record of minor convictions and the time he had spent in custody.
The judge imposed a five-year sentence and said that was as lenient as he could be in the circumstances.