Alleged Dublin gunman further remanded in custody

A 31-year-old man who allegedly blasted himself in the leg by accident before shooting another man in the chest in Dublin last month has been further remanded in custody.

Thomas Ryan appeared today at Cloverhill District Court.

On the morning of August 26th last, Charlie O'Neill (51), from Ballymun, had been cycling on Glasnevin Avenue when he was shot in the stomach. The Ballymun man, who survived, was treated at the Mater Hospital, where he was at one stage in a critical but stable condition.

After the shooting, a second man was found with gunshot injuries to his leg at nearby Hillcrest Park. He was taken to Beaumont Hospital. A shotgun was located close to the scene.

The 31-year-old man was later brought to Ballymun Garda station, where he was held for questioning until he was charged and brought before Dublin District Court last week.

Jobless Thomas Ryan of McKee Park, Cabra, was charged with unlawfully possessing a firearm with intent to endanger life. Mr Ryan “made no reply” when he was charged with the offences.

At his first hearing on August 30th last, Garda Cathal Connolly had objected to bail citing the seriousness of the offence, adding that a man had been cycling on Glasnevin Avenue when he was allegedly shot by the accused.

The District Court had heard two shots are alleged to have been fired, but it was alleged 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. Garda Connolly had also said more serious charges could be brought against Mr Ryan.

He was refused bail at his first hearing. He appeared again today via video-link before Judge Grainne Malone at Cloverhill District Court.

Mr Ryan, who has not yet entered a plea, was further remanded in custody for another two weeks.