Man accused of having gun used in Blanchardstown attack

A man has appeared in court accused of taking possession of a submachine gun used in an attack at a west Dublin restaurant on Christmas Eve.

Tristan Sherry, 26, was attacked and died after he and a second person carried out the attack on 48-year-old Jason Hennessy Senior at Browne’s Steakhouse in Blanchardstown.

The 48-year-old father, from Corduff in Dublin, was shot while having a meal with family and friends.

He was taken to hospital where he died on 4 January and gardaí began a murder investigation.

Juares Kumbu, the eighth male to be arrested and charged in connection with the incidents, appeared before Judge Máire Conneely at Blanchardstown District Court.

The 18-year-old, also known as Jay, is unemployed and has an address at Brookhaven Grove, Blanchardstown.

He is charged with unlawful possession of a submachine gun on Main Street, Blanchardstown, on 24 December.

Detective Garda Shane Guinan objected to bail due to the seriousness of the case and fears of witness intimidation.

He also said the loaded firearm had not been recovered.

Bail was refused and Mr Kumbu was remanded in custody to appear again at Cloverhill District Court on Tuesday. He was granted legal aid.

The Director of Public Prosecutions has directed trial on indictment and the prosecution must prepare a book of evidence.