Shot wife in face on their anniversary

A husband who discharged a shotgun in his wife's face on their wedding anniversary escaped jail when his wife pleaded with the district court judge not to send him away to prison. Gary McDermott of Lurgankeel, Kilcurry, Dundalk, was directed to complete 180 hours of community service in lieu of six months on a charge of endangerment at Glassdrumman, Shercock, on February 24. He was also fined €500 for having an unauthorised crossbow in his possession on the same occasion. Inspector Martin Beggy told the court that the defendant and his wife had been celebrating their fourth wedding anniversary. The defendant had been out shooting earlier in the day. He came home and they went about their daily duties. They put their children to bed. In the early hours of the morning they were listening to music and his wife got up to change the CD. The defendant in jest said "I will get the gun to you". He picked up the shotgun and discharged it, hitting his wife in the face. The defendant gathered his children and his wife and took them to the garda station. Inspector Beggy described the incident as "reckless and careless". During a search of the home, gardaí came across a crossbow. There was no indication of any animosity between the parties. "I don't think the defendant was aware the gun was loaded at the time." He was applying for a surrender of the shotgun and crossbow Nathalie McDermott said they were not arguing and it was a sudden incident. The gun was not pointed at her but it was discharged and she was hit in the face, which left a scar. "We are getting on well at the moment but we are not living together." She didn't want her husband to go to prison but she didn't want him to do it again. "He is a very good father." Cross-examined by Brid Mimnagh solicitor defending, Mrs McDermott said her husband was never violent towards her before and she never had to report him to the gardaí. They were good friends and hoped to work things out.Replying to Judge Sean MacBride witness said she was not at risk from him. In evidence the defendant said he wanted to plead guilty to the incident and apologise to Nathalie. "It was an absolute accident." He also thanked the gardaí for getting Nathalie to hospital so quickly. Judge MacBride said he would not send the defendant away on this occasion. He ordered a forfeiture of the shotgun and crossbow for destruction by the state. "It was a bizarre case and in normal circumstances you would be sending the defendant away for 12 months." However, the case had unusual features. It was not premeditated but unfortunately the gun was loaded and safety procedures were not observed. The gun should have been rendered safe after use. "It was no joke and a very foolish and dangerous action what the defendant did." Judge MacBride also revoked the defendant's gun licence.