A Kinahan cartel hitman has been sentenced to 20 years imprisonment for the attempted murder of Hutch associate James ‘Mago’ Gately in May 2017
Caolan Smyth (29), of Cuileann Court, Donore, Co Meath, was handed down the lengthy sentence at the Special Criminal Court this morning.
Smyth shot his target five times while he was sitting in his car outside a north Dublin filling station. Mr Gately survived as he was wearing a bullet proof vest.
Gary McAreavey, of Gort Nua, Station Road, Castlebellingham, was jailed for three years for helping him to destroy the getaway car afterwards.
Gardaí believe that Mr. Gately was targeted by the Kinahan cartel who hold him responsible for involvement in the 2016 Regency Hotel shooting.
The Hutch/Kinahan feud has has led to 18 murders and dozens of attempted shootings.
Mr Justice Tony Hunt told the court that the deliberate nature of the crime put it in the more “egregious category” of attempted murder, attracting a sentence from 15 years up to life imprisonment.
Speaking outside court today, Superintendent Eddie Carroll said these cases once again show the force’s ability to bring gangland criminals to justice:
”I’d also like to say that it is a significant conviction for An Garda Siochana and I think it demonstrates our commitment and determination, and more importantly our ability to tackle organised crime and crimes of this nature.”
