Limerick man admits role in shooting incident

A LIMERICK man has admitted his role in a shooting incident in the city almost three years ago.

Paul Coffey, aged 46, with an address at Lord Edward Street in the city was initially charged with attempting to murder Alan Murphy at Long Pavement, Watch House Cross, Limerick on June 11 2020. 

However, at the Central Criminal Court this Monday Cathleen Noctor SC, prosecuting, told Ms Justice Mary Ellen Ring that Coffey could be arraigned on counts four and six on the indictment, which she said was satisfactory to the Director of Public Prosecutions. 

Coffey then pleaded guilty to discharging a firearm, being reckless as to whether any person would be injured or not, at Long Pavement, Watch House Cross, Limerick on June 11 2020.

He also pleaded guilty to possession of a firearm in such circumstances as to give rise to a reasonable inference that he did not have it in his possession for a lawful purpose on the same occasion. 

The injured party was found bleeding in a car two kilometers away from where the alleged shooting occurred, at Castle Street, close to King John’s Castle.

Gardai fear firearm stolen from Limerick home may be used in a crime

After Mr Coffey entered his guilty pleas, Ms Noctor told the court that a victim impact statement was not being sought. 

Michael Bowman SC, defending, asked the court that a governor's report from Limerick Prison be made available for his client's sentence hearing, which was granted.

Ms Justice Ring remanded the accused in custody until March 27 when he will be sentenced.