A MAN was yesterday acquitted by a jury of shooting another man two years ago after a five-day trial at Galway Circuit Criminal Court.
John Paul Sweeney (26), of Fearann Rí, Doughiska, Galway, a father of four, had denied being in possession of a 12 gauge, single-barrel shotgun and cartridges with intent to endanger the life of Tom Mongan (34) in Ballybane, Galway on February 21st, 2009.
He had also denied charges of assaulting Mr Mongan causing him harm, and intentionally or recklessly causing serious harm to him on the same occasion.
Mr Mongan told the trial he was shot in the chest by Mr Sweeney following an argument on the street near his home in the early hours of the morning. Both of his lungs were punctured, and pellets still remain in his body. Three of his nephews and an uncle gave evidence to support his claim.
No forensic evidence was found on either the gun or the cartridges which could link Mr Sweeney to the shooting.
Mr Sweeney told gardaí during several interviews that he was nowhere near the scene of the shooting.
He stated he had been with a woman all that night. He had been enjoying some “alone time” with the woman, he added.
During a sixth interview, Mr Sweeney said he did not want to talk any more about the woman. “I would only get into trouble with my missus.
“I’m a married man for the last seven years,” he said.
Judge Petria McDonnell agreed with prosecuting barrister, Conor Fahy, that Mr Sweeney had used lewd language to describe this woman when giving his alibi to gardaí during interviews. The lewd comments were read to the jury.
The jury took just over an hour yesterday evening to reach their unanimous verdict, acquitting Mr Sweeney of all charges before the court.