Dublin men admit plot to kill man in Cookstown shooting

Two Dublin men have pleaded guilty to conspiring to murder a man who was shot several times in Cookstown four years ago.

Dublin men admit plot to kill man in Cookstown shooting

Two men from the capital have confessed to planning a murder in County Meath that left the target fighting for his life.

Jason Dunne (35), whose address is Cedarbrook Place in Ballyfermot, and Craig Hayes (27), from Cushlawn Park in Tallaght, both admitted to one count of conspiracy to commit homicide.

The plot was carried out between 28 November and 3 December 2021. The intended victim, Thomas McDonnell, was shot repeatedly on Cookstown Road on the final day of that period.

Mr McDonnell was rushed to Tallaght University Hospital in a critical state after the gun attack.

Investigators believe the perpetrators used multiple vehicles during the operation. One of these cars was later set on fire in Rathcoole as the group tried to destroy evidence.

The pair first appeared before Tallaght District Court earlier this year on attempted murder charges. Those proceedings were later upgraded to the Central Criminal Court.

Mr Justice Paul McDermott was informed that the trial date set for October 5 could now be cancelled following the guilty pleas.

Dunne has been granted bail pending sentencing, while Hayes remains behind bars. Both will learn their fate on 10 July.

Source: Echo.ie

Source: Google News IE — Crime (en)