Dublin man who shot bouncer now convicted of stealing

A Dublin man who previously shot a bouncer in the face and assaulted two gardaí has been given an two-year sentence for stealing a van.

Wayne McNally (aged 25) of Ross Road, Christchurch is currently serving a 13-year sentence for shooting a bouncer in the face and assaulting two gardaí in February 2008.

He pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to unauthorised taking of a vehicle and driving with no insurance at St Vincent Street South, Dublin 8 on January 11, 2008.

He has 59 previous convictions, including one for a firearms offence, an escape from custody and the 13-year sentence for an attempt to cause serious harm on February 10, 2008.

Garda Garret Daly told Ms Ann Rowland BL, prosecuting, that Mr Charles Hickey’s white van was stolen from outside his house in Maryland, Dublin 8.

Gda Daly revealed that gardaí arrested McNally, who was driving the stolen van with no insurance, on Clanbrassil Street.

Mr James Dywer BL, defending, submitted to Judge Donagh McDonagh that his client had “an extremely difficult upbringing” and “had fallen through the cracks”.

He further submitted that the father-of-two had pleaded guilty at an early stage.

Mr Dwyer submitted that McNally hoped to be a father to his children, one of whom he has not yet met, once he gets out of prison.

“He wants to become a father,” said Mr Dwyer.

“He really isn’t going about it the right way is he? " Judge McDonagh answered.

The judge noted that McNally had a very unfortunate upbringing.

“I don’t know how you would describe that upbringing, it is as bad as you can get. There was an inevitability he would end up in criminal activity. If someone’s serving 13 years I’m not tagging on more time,” said Judge McDonagh.

Judge McDonagh imposed the two-year sentence to run concurrently with the other sentences McNally is already serving.

“Mr McNally, I hope you use your next couple of years to stabilise your life,” said the judge.