A MAN charged in connection with a drive-by shooting in Limerick, and who Gardaí allege is one of the ‘main instigators’ of an ongoing violent feud in the city, was further remanded in custody.
Shane Blackhall (20), of Mungret Court, Watergate, Limerick, appeared before Limerick District Court via a video-link from Limerick Prison.
Following a gun attack on Hyde Avenue, Prospect, on January 6 last, Mr Blackhall is accused of possessing a firearm in suspicious circumstances and with stealing a car that was allegedly used in the shooting.
At a previous bail hearing into the matter, Gardaí alleged 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.
The arresting Garda, Detective Garda Seamus Murphy, told the bail hearing in June that Mr Blackhall was also charged with possessing €26,000 worth of cannabis for sale or supply, as well as possessing cannabis.
Garda Murphy gave evidence that Gardaí investigating the January shooting discovered a stolen Volkswagen car that was abandoned and damaged after it crashed into a lamppost near the gun attack scene.
Gardaí also found two 9mm bullet casings inside the car, a well as an additional five 9mm bullet casings at various points along Hyde Avenue.
Garda Murphy said forensic analysis of the bullet casings were “9mm Luger” ammunition, and the bullets were all “fired from the same weapon”.
He said Gardaí had harvested CCTV footage showing a stolen VW car traveling along Hyde Avenue and “slowing” as it came to houses, before a “number of shots” were then fired from the car.
Garda Murphy said the footage showed the car “travel at speed” away from the scene and onto Lenihan Avenue, Byrne Avenue, and Rosbrien Road.
The CCTV footage also showed the car crashed at Ashbourne Avenue and two individuals fleeing the vehicle.
Garda Murphy alleged that a subsequent forensic examination of the car resulted in the discovery of human DNA on the car’s driver-side airbag, which he alleged was a match for Blackhall.
He objected to bail citing the “seriousness of the charges, and the strength and nature of the evidence”.
“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,” Garda Murphy alleged.
“Gardaí believe these offences were committed as part of this feud and the accused was one of the main instigators of same.
“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.”
Garda Murphy said serious weaponry has been used in the feud and that Gardaí were concerned about a safety risk to the general public.
“I do not believe that there are any bail conditions which would be applied that could prevent further similar crimes,” Garda Murphy told the court.
“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.”
Gardaí this week informed the court that a file would be sent to the Director of Public Prosecutions which “forms part of an ongoing investigation into an organised crime feud”.
Blackhall’s solicitor, Sarah Ryan, told the court the Garda allegations against the accused was “dragging on” since June 17 and asked for the State to provide clarity on when the Garda file was due to be completed.
Judge Carol Anne Coolican adjourned the matter for one week and remanded Mr Blackhall in continuing custody “for clarity on the situation” to appear before Limerick District Court on September 16.