A FORMER international boxer who burst into a businessman's house wielding a loaded shotgun believed he was going to die when shot twice by a garda.
Kevin Lynch didn't know two armed detectives wearing bullet-proof jackets had already taken up position in the home of cigarette vending machine distributor, Mr James Fitzpatrick, at Lispopple, Swords.
Chief Supt Cormac Gordon said the house also had a good alarm system. Seconds after a security buzzer indicated there was a breach, at the front a masked man pointing a pump-action, sawn-off shotgun kicked in the door and burst in shouting "get down on the f. . . ing floor".
Det Garda Joe White, who was in the kitchen, identified himself as an armed garda, but Lynch pointed the shotgun at him and was shot twice by the garda in the arm and shoulder. He fell to the floor.
Chief Supt Gordon told Mr Eamonn Leahy, prosecuting, at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court, there were five rounds in the shotgun and the safety catch was off.
Two more masked raiders were seen in the hallway following Lynch into the house. One had a handgun, which he pointed at Det Garda Tony Wilkinson as they turned and fled.
Det Garda Wilkinson dived to the ground outside as a single shot was fired at him and he replied with two rounds.
Chief Supt Gordon said one of the fleeing men was heard to shout "shoot him, shoot him, kill him", referring to Det Garda Wilkinson, who hurt his shoulder when taking cover.
Up to 10 more rounds were fired before they fled leaving Lynch behind.
Lynch (29), married with two children, of Lally Road, Ballyfermot, pleaded guilty to having the shotgun with intent to endanger life on March 21st, 1996, at Lispopple, and also to aggravated burglary on the same occasion. He is to be sentenced tomorrow.
One of the gardai said an Act of Contrition into Lynch's ear and he was given first aid while they waited for an ambulance.
He was asked how many guns the gang had and replied: "I had the pump and we had a handgun as well".
Lynch believed he might die a result of being shot. He was detained until April 4th, 1996, in hospital for treatment to gunshot wounds on his right arm and upper chest-shoulder area.
He was arrested when released but made no admissions during questioning. He had been in custody since his arrest. The Fitzpatrick family had made a good recovery from the shock of the event.
Chief Supt Gordon told Mr Leahy it was "a very professionally organised crime". All the gang Wore, dark clothing and glasses and Lynch had socks over his shoes.
The motive was to steal cigarettes stored near the house. Nobody else had been charged with the crime.
Det Sgt Gus Keane said Lynch had two previous convictions in 1982 as a teenager for criminal damage, and in 1986 in Jersey for having cannabis. He was married with two young children.
Mr Christopher Rock, giving character evidence to Judge Cyril Kelly, described Lynch as "an ambassador for boxing". He told Mr Michael O'Higgins, defending, Lynch had won four national titles and represented Ireland at home and abroad.
He became depressed and began drinking heavily after shattering his hand, which never recovered fully.
Mr Michael Holmes, also a former champion and international boxer, said he was shocked to hear of Lynch's involvement in this crime. He always know him as a person dedicated to the sport.
Mr John Dutton said he first met Lynch as a juvenile boxer and about five years ago brought him to Alcoholics Anonymous because of his drinking.