A teen who purportedly assaulted Tristan Sherry, a shooter who suffered fatal injuries after wounding another man at a restaurant in Dublin, is now facing trial at the Special Criminal Court, which doesn’t utilise a jury. Tristan Sherry, a 26-year old Finglas resident and father to a child, met his end due to a serious head injury after he shot Jason Hennessy Sr in a Blanchardstown eatery, known as Browne’s Steakhouse, on the eve of Christmas.
The accused, a 17-year old minor who cannot be named due to his age, is blamed for violent disruption at the incident but proclaiming his innocence. Judge Paul Kelly rejected the option to hold the case in the Dublin Children’s Court, a court where penalties cannot surpass a year. The teenager, who lost his bail status about five weeks ago, presented himself before Judge Kelly again on Wednesday, where he received formal presentation of the charges.
The state solicitor informed Judge Kelly of instructions from the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) suggesting the trial take place at the Special Criminal Court. The DPP presented a certificate in compliance with section 46.2 of the Offences Against the State Act, noting the “the normal courts lack the capacity to properly provide justice” in this case. Consequently, the judge sanctioned a return for trial order. The teenager, defended by solicitor Simon Fleming, was provided legal assistance, including the retention of senior counsel.
Detective Garda John Hayes earlier explained the incident which occurred within the restaurant on the 24th of December, 2023. Jason Hennessy, a Blanchardstown local, was dining with his family and friends, when two armed men breached the premises and gunfire followed. Detective Garda Hayes continued, ”One armed man absconded, while Jason Hennessy Sr seized the other – Tristan Sherry. A scuffle saw them both succumb to the floor, and a bystander secured Sherry’s firearm. The teenager was later identified attacking the floored gunman, kicking Sherry several times. The teen had sought refuge beneath a table when the shooting commenced. It was reported he stayed hidden during the initial assault on Sherry, later appearing to assist another individual to transport Jason Hennessy Sr out of the restaurant.”
It was claimed that the adolescent, without any previous criminal record, slipped away from detaining Mr Hennessy and proceeded to kick Mr Sherry twice or thrice as he neared him. On associated charges of murder, four gentlemen have been advanced to the Special Criminal Court and an accusation of a linked firearms violation has been made against another young individual. Additionally, three more males are facing court proceedings based on accompanying charges stemming from the incident, including violence, public disturbance, and an offence involving weapons.