Man to be sentenced for 'Wild West' gun rampage in Glenties
Stephen Dowling fired shots at a passing car, three houses and Gardaí
A Carlow man who went on a drink and drug-fuelled shooting spree in Glenties will be sentenced on Tuesday.
Stephen Dowling (24) faces ten charges following a night of terror on February 22, 2020.
Dowling, of Cois Abhainn, Burren Road, Carlow, is charged with five counts of possession of a firearm with intent; one count of possessing an offensive weapon, namely a hunting knife; and four counts of criminal damage.
The father-of-one, who was before Letterkenny Circuit Court last week, has pleaded guilty to the charges.
Dowling fired two shots at Gardaí with a .256 remington calibre t3x bolt-action rifle.
Earlier in the night, Dowling fired a shot through the back window of a passing car. Bullet fragments passed through the passenger seat and headrest before exiting the front window.
Dowling, who was in the area with family members on a deer-hunting trip, caused damage to three houses on Church Road when he discharged further shots.
Armed Gardai rushed to the scene and Dowling was eventually apprehended.
Counsel for Dowling, Mr Colm Smith SC, said the actions were ‘clearly outrageous’.
“It was reckless and an act of tyranny against the community and the Gardaí, who are there to protect the community. He will forever love with his actions, which were out of lunacy and intoxication.”
Judge John Aylmer will pass sentence at Letterkenny Circuit Court on Tuesday.