A security officer who shot and subsequently killed a cormorant at Bachelor’s Walk, Ballina, in front of his son, was sentenced to 28 days in prison for recklessly discharging a firearm.
Garda Jude Gallagher outlined that at 4.30pm on August 16 2009, she received a report from a member of the public that a man had discharged a shot from an air rifle through a car window.
Paul McDonnell, 20 Cual Garra, Teeling Street, Ballina admitted to gardaí that he shot the bird with an air rifle after he saw it perched on top of a jetty while he was driving back from shooting clays at a licensed gun club. His 12-year-old son was in the car when the bird was killed.
The defendant told the court that he bought the rifle, which he described as a “glorified toy”, in the UK.
The 42-year old was asked by Judge Mary Devins “What sport is that?” killing a lovely looking bird. The judge added that it was nothing but “cruelty”. McDonnell was convicted and fined €600 and sentenced to 28 days in prison. Recognisances were fixed in the event of an appeal.
