A MAN charged in connection with a drive-by shooting is one of the leading instigators in an ongoing feud in the city, Gardai alleged in court this Tuesday (June 17).
Shane Blackhall (20), of Mungret Court, Watergate, Limerick City, appeared before Limerick District Court in respect of a gun attack at Hyde Avenue on January 6.
Gardaí alleged during his bail hearing that Mr Blackhall was “actively involved” in an ongoing violent feud, saying they were fearful someone would be killed or seriously injured if he was granted bail.
Detective Garda Seamus Murphy told the court he charged Mr Blackhall on Monday with one count of possessing a firearm in suspicious circumstances on January 6.
Detective Garda Murphy said he also charged Mr Blackhall with one count of unlawfully taking a blue Volkswagen car, which Gardaí allege was used in the January 6 drive-by shooting.
Mr Blackhall was also charged with possessing €26,000 worth of cannabis for sale or supply, and possessing cannabis, which Garda Murphy said was found in Mr Blackhall’s home.
Garda Murphy told the court that, on January 6 last, Gardaí responded to reports of a shooting at Hyde Avenue, and discovered a stolen Volkswagen car abandoned and extensively damaged after it had crashed into a lamppost near the scene.
The Garda said a forensic analysis of bullet casings found inside the car and along Hyde Avenue were “9mm Luger” ammunition, “all fired from the same weapon”.
Garda Murphy said investigating Gardaí believe that “Glock semi-automatic” firearm was used in the gun attack.
He gave evidence that CCTV footage showed the stolen VW car traveling along Hyde Avenue and “slowing” as it came to houses, with a “number of shots are discharged” from the car.
Garda Murphy said the footage showed the car “travel at speed” onto Lenihan Avenue, with separate footage showing the car crashed at Ashbourne Avenue and two individuals fleeing the vehicle.
The Garda witness alleged that a forensic examination of the car resulted in the discovery of DNA on the car’s driver-side airbag, which he alleged was a match for Mr Blackhall.
Garda Murphy told the court that further more serious charges were anticipated against Mr Blackhall in respect of the shooting investigation.
Garda Murphy said he was objecting to bail due to the “seriousness of the charges and the strength and nature of the evidence”.
He alleged in court “the accused was actively involved in an ongoing feud on the south side of Limerick City at the time of his arrest and the commission of the offences for which he is currently charged with”.
“Gardaí believe these offences were committed as part of this feud and the accused was one of the main instigators of same.”
Garda Murphy said serious weaponry had been used in the feud.
“I believe that if he is granted bail, the accused will again become involved in this feud and will pose a serious and active threat to homeowners and members of the public.”
Answering Mr Blackhall’s solicitor, Sarah Ryan, who stated the accused would abide by whatever bail conditions the court decided, Garda Murphy stated: “I do not believe that there are any bail conditions which would be applied that could prevent further similar crimes by the accused.”
“It is my belief that, if granted bail, there will be further serious offences committed by the accused, up to the risk of further property being damaged, including loss of (life) and serious injury.”
Judge Patricia Harney said she believed Garda Murphy’s evidence was “well founded” and “should be accepted”, and refused bail.
The judge remanded Mr Blackhall in custody to appear before the court again on June 24 for directions from the DPP.
