Two additional suspects have been accused of the murder of Tristan Sherry, who was killed after a fatal shooting incident at a Dublin restaurant on Christmas Eve. The case has been referred for trial to the non-jury Special Criminal Court.
Gardaí (Irish police) have served books of evidence on the following individuals:
- David Amah, 18 years old, residing in Dublin. He faces murder charges.
- Michael Andrecut, 22 years old, is also facing murder charges from Dublin 15.
- Juares Kumbu, 18 years old, who is solely accused of a firearms offence related to removing the shooter’s murder weapon.
The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) decided to hold a non-jury trial due to the belief that “the ordinary courts are inadequate to secure the effective administration of justice” in this case.
Tristan Sherry, a father-of-one from Finglas, died from blunt-force head trauma at Browne’s Steakhouse in Blanchardstown. He sustained injuries after shooting Jason Hennessy Sr. with a submachine gun. Mr Hennessy, 48, died in the hospital 11 days later.
The defendants had previously been denied bail and appeared at Cloverhill District Court. Senior prosecutor Tom Conlon informed Judge Alan Mitchell that the DPP directed that all three accused be tried in the Special Criminal Court.
Judge Mitchell granted a return-for-trial order and legal aid to the defendants, who will also have senior counsel representation. He emphasised that they must inform the prosecution if they intend to use an alibi. Additionally, gardaí (police) have been ordered to provide interview videos to the defence.
During the hearing, David Amah and Juares Kumbu remained silent, while Michael Andrecut responded with a casual “Nice one” upon receiving his book of evidence.
Detective Sergeant Mark Murphy testified that the pair were present in the restaurant when two gunmen entered and began shooting. After the gun was dropped, it was picked up and removed by another person. A group then attacked Sherry, leading to a sustained assault even after the firearm was no longer in play.
Mr. Andrecut plans to raise the issue of self-defence during the trial. Mr. Amah informed gardaí that he panicked and felt his life was in danger.
The case also involves other suspects, including Noah Musueni and Wayne Deegan, who are accused of murdering Sherry. Brandon Hennessy, son of Jason Hennessy Sr., faces charges related to violent disorder and production of a commercial firearm.
The trial date before the Special Criminal Court will be determined later, and the accused remain in custody.