Shooting ‘another case of mistaken identity’

A man has been shot and injured in what gardaí suspect is a second case of mistaken identity in recent days. The man who lives in Redford Park, Greystones, Co Wicklow, was named locally as Rupert Stanley.

Mr Stanley allegedly answered the door to two men at around 9.30pm on Monday night who proceeded to shoot at him before fleeing the scene in a small hatchback car.

Gardaí believe Mr Stanley, 58, who was hit in the abdomen and arm in the attack, may have targeted in a case of mistaken identify.

Witnesses reported hearing two loud bangs and then seeing the victim’s wife, Angela, coming to Mr Stanley’s aid. The injured man was taken to St Vincent’s Hospital in Dublin where his injuries were described as non-life threatening.

A number of people living in the private estate were surprised at the doorstep shooting that occurred in a quiet cul-de-sac.

The front window of the semi-detached bungalow was broken and the damage could be seen from the road.

Gardaí recovered a number of spent shells from the weapon used in the attack during a forensic examination of the scene.

Neighbours said Mr Stanley and his wife had moved to Greystones about two years ago and had spent a lot of time improving their home.

The doorstep shooting was similar to another incident in Walkinstown, Dublin, last Sunday night when retiree Eddie Nugent, 64, was shot dead. Gardaí believe that may have been a case of mistaken identity.

Meanwhile, a couple in their 80s were left traumatised after a gang burst into their Wicklow home, tied them up and left with some jewellery.

The ordeal for the 85-year-old man and the 83-year-old woman who live in Briarwood, off Vevay Road, Co Wicklow, began at around 8.15pm on Monday. Three men broke into their home and tied them up in the study before ransacking the house.

The woman later managed to raise the alarm by breaking a window. The couple, who were not seriously injured, received medical treatment at the scene. However, both were described as being very shocked and frightened.

Gardaí want anyone with information to contact Bray Garda Station at 01 6665300.