A man (25) who shot dead a Kilkenny postmaster (32) has been given a mandatory to life sentence for murder.
Shu Shen (25) - a Chinese national - formerly of the Old Rectory, New Ross, Co Wexford, was also given 10 years in prison for the robbery of the post office at John's Green, Kilkenny, and possession of a firearm with intent to commit the robbery.
He was found guilty in the Central Criminal Court on Monday of the murder of Alan Cunniffe (32) last year. Mr Justice Paul Carney refused leave to appeal.
During the trial the court heard Shen caught a bus from Dublin to Kilkenny on the morning of December 8th, 2006. He said he knew the post office because, claiming asylum in Ireland, he had previously stayed in a hostel in Kilkenny near the post office.
Armed with a knife, an air-pistol he modified with super glue to take .22 rounds and his face covered with a balaclava, Shen robbed the post office just after noon, taking nearly €15,000 and telling postal clerks "thanks" as he left.
Mr Cunniffe arrived at the post office as Shen was fleeing and chased him down Kilkenny's Wolfe Tone Street.
Despite locals begging him not to give chase, Mr Cunniffe caught up with Shen a number of times, with Shen waving the gun at him and Mr Cunniffe stopping.
Mr Cunniffe eventually got hold of the bag of cash Shen was carrying on his back and was shot as the pair wrestled. Shen fled but was arrested a short time later. Mr Cunniffe died in hospital at 3pm the same day.
In interviews with gardaí, Shen said the shooting was an accident and he committed the robbery because with no allowance and unable to get a work visa, he needed the money.
He claimed he was an asylum seeker fleeing the Chinese communist regime that persecuted and beat him because of his Falun Gong religion.