A man charged in connection with a gun attack on a Sinn Fein representative and his son at a Holy Communion service in Ballymun last May pleaded guilty yesterday to possessing ammunition with intent to endanger life. In the Central Criminal Court in Dublin, Peter McCann (32), of Balcurris Road, Ballymun, pleaded guilty to seven counts relating to the gun attack on Mr Larry O'Toole Snr and his son Mr Larry (Lar) O'Toole Jnr, who were attending St Joseph's Church, on May 16th, 1998.
Mr Larry O'Toole Snr contested the general election and a by-election in the Dublin North-East constituency. McCann was arraigned on seven counts on the indictment. Mr Eamon Leahy SC, defending, said that he would be pleading not guilty to two other counts relating to attempted murder and these issues would go to trial.
McCann pleaded guilty to possessing a .22 Beretta automatic pistol and seven rounds of ammunition with intent to endanger and to intentionally or recklessly causing serious harm to Mr Laurence O'Toole Snr. He also pleaded guilty to possession of a .22 Beretta automatic pistol and seven rounds of ammunition with intent to endanger life and to intentionally or recklessly causing serious harm to Mr Larry O'Toole Jnr. McCann also pleaded guilty to obstructing a clergyman officiating at a religious ceremony by shooting a firearm at the O'Tooles. Mr Justice Carney deferred sentencing on the seven counts until the two remaining charges were dealt with by the court.