Gardai secure destruction of ‘high-powered getaway car’ used in Limerick shooting
GARDAI have secured a destruction order for a “high-powered getaway car” used in a shooting in Askeaton.
Detective Sergeant Michael Reidy made the application, under the Police (Property) Act, 1897, before Judge Carol Anne Coolican in Newcastle West Court on Thursday.
Det Sgt Reidy said the vehicle in question - a Seat Leon - was used in the course of a firearm being discharged in Askeaton on July 13, 2019.
“Two people were convicted following a trial,” said Det Sgt Reidy.
The trial, which took place in Limerick Circuit Court in 2022, heard that a man recklessly discharged “at least four” shots at a house where infant twins were sleeping.
Larry O’Connor, then aged 33, who has an address at The Lodges, Ballykisteen, County Tipperary was convicted of several charges, including reckless discharge of a firearm, arising from the incident at Deelside, The Quay, Askeaton in the early hours of July 13, 2019.
His brother – Daniel O’Connor, then aged 42, who has an address at Hassett's Villas, Thomondgate, Limerick pleaded guilty to a burglary charge – on the second day of the trial.
Det Sgt Reidy, who gave evidence at the trial, told the circuit court that Daniel O’Connor was the driver of a high-powered getaway car. He said a cousin of the defendants lives at the house in Askeaton with his partner and twins – who were 10-months-old at the time.
Larry O’Connor was sentenced to 12 years’ imprisonment while Daniel O’Connor was sentenced to seven years’ with the final year suspended.
Larry O’Connor subsequently appealed his conviction. The Court of Appeal dismissed his application in July of this year.
Det Sgt Reidy told Newcastle West Court on Thursday that gardai located and seized the Seat Leon in a public car-park in Portlaoise in the course of their investigation.
Det Sgt Reidy said gardai worked with Interpol (The International Criminal Police Organization) and the Police Service of Northern Ireland to uncover that the car was purchased at an auction in Northern Ireland. Prior to that it was owned by a person in Manchester in England, the court heard.
Det Sgt Reidy said following their enquiries no owner of the Seat Leon has been established. He applied to the judge for a destruction order. Judge Coolican granted the application.
It means the vehicle can now be disposed off instead of the State incurring the cost of storing it.