A Dublin man has been cleared of a gun attack in which a self-confessed drug dealer lost a leg and a finger. A jury at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court unanimously cleared Mr Gerard Sheridan of shooting heroin dealer Richard Merriman. Mr Sheridan's supporters cheered and clapped as the verdict was read out.
Mr Sheridan (34) of Belcurris Road, Ballymun was cleared of shooting Merriman on November 30th, 1995.
He was also cleared of assault causing harm, and possession of a gun and ammunition with intent to endanger life on the same date.
Judge Kieran O'Connor ordered that Mr Sheridan be released from custody.