Thief accidently shot himself in head

A MAN accidently shot himself in the head when a stolen car he was travelling in went over a speed bump, an inquest heard yesterday.

Victor Murphy had his thumb on the trigger of a sawn-off shotgun which was resting between his legs as the car sped through a Traveller halting site in Finglas, north Dublin, in July 2003.

The body of the 30-year-old, of Deanstown Green, Finglas, was dumped at the side of the road in Dunsink Lane by the driver of the vehicle, who has since died.

Murphy’s body was seen in the early hours of the morning by passerby, Wayne Derham, who raised the alarm.

Investigating gardaí told Dublin County Coroner’s Court that the Mitsubishi Lancer used on the night was later dumped in the area.

Forensic examinations showed Murphy’s blood and brain tissue inside the vehicle.

Detective Inspector Ber-nard Sherry, of Blanch-ardstown Garda Station, said: “We have established from ballistic and forensic examinations that the gun was accidently discharged when the car went over one of the speed bumps.

“We are satisfied there was only one other person in this car at the time the gun discharged.

“We know the identity of that person, who has since died.”

The gun has not been found.

State pathologist Dr Marie Cassidy said that although she could not rule out the notion that Murphy was shot by a second person, she stressed that the aim of the shot would have made that very difficult.

She ruled out suicide.

A jury recorded a verdict of misadventure.