A 31-year-old man who allegedly shot himself in the leg by accident before shooting another man in the chest during a botched gun attack in Dublin has been refused bail
Charlie O’Neill (51)had been cycling on Glasnevin Avenue when he was shot in the stomach last Monday morning.
The Ballymun man was taken to the Mater Hospital for treatment following the shooting and remains in an induced coma in a critical but stable condition.
At nearby Hillcrest Park, a second man was found with gunshot injuries to his leg who was later taken to Beaumont Hospital while a shotgun was located close to the scene.
The man was later brought to Ballymun Garda station where he was held for questioning until he was charged and brought to appear before Dublin District Court today.
Thomas Ryan of McKee Park, Cabra was charged with unlawfully possessing a firearm with intent to endanger life. Wearing a grey tracksuit, the unemployed Cabra man appeared in court on crutches.
Garda Cathal Connolly told Judge Alan Mitchell that Mr Ryan “made no reply” when he was charged. He objected to bail citing the seriousness of the offence .
The court heard that two shots are alleged to have been fired but it was claimed that the first round was discharged unintentionally and the defendant suffered “an accidental gunshot wound to the leg”.
It was alleged that a second shot was fired which hit Mr O’Neill in the abdomen.
Gda Connolly said Mr Ryan fled into laneway but was found after he collapsed nearby. A sawn-off shotgun was also located and after being treated at Beaumont hospital he was arrested and made admissions, the court heard.
The garda said Mr Ryan was a potential flight risk with no ties and more serious charges could be brought against him.
However, defence solicitor Jenny McGeever argued that Mr Ryan had three relatives in court, had strong family connections in Dublin, and has always lived at his current address.
She asked her client if he understood that the charge was very serious to which he stepped forward and answered “yes”.
He then replied “yeah, no problem,” when his lawyer asked him if he would adhere to bail condition.
However, Judge Mitchell refused to allow him out on bail and remanded him in custody to appear again on September 6th next.
He also made a recommendation that Mr Ryan, who was granted legal aid, would get appropriate medical assessment and treatment provided during his remand in prison.