Teenager pleads guilty to firearms offence related to Christmas Eve killings

Eoin Reynolds

A teenager who was accused of removing a submachine gun from the popular Dublin steakhouse where gunman Tristan Sherry was killed after he shot a man on Christmas Eve last year has pleaded guilty to a firearms offence.

Jaures Kumbu (18) of Brookhaven Grove, Blanchardstown appeared before the Special Criminal Court where he was arraigned on one charge that on December 24th, 2023, at Browne's Steakhouse on Blanchardstown Main Street, he had in his possession a sub-machine gun in circumstances giving rise to the reasonable inference that he did not have it for a lawful purpose.

He responded guilty to the charge.

A previous bail hearing at the Court of Appeal was told it is the State’s case that Kumbu is the person who leaves the premises with the weapon. The court also heard that gardaí now “have no idea where the firearm is”.

Mr Justice Kerida Naidoo, presiding in the three-judge court, adjourned sentencing until November 4th.

Kumbu had been due to go on trial before the Special Criminal Court with six others accused of various offences arising out of the shooting. Their trials are expected to begin later this year.

Sherry (26) was killed after he shot and fatally injured Jason Hennessy Senior on Christmas Eve 2023 at the popular Blanchardstown steakhouse.

Noah Musueni (18), Corduff Park, Blanchardstown, Wayne Deegan (26), Linnetsfield Avenue, Phibblestown, Dublin 15, David Amah (18), Hazel Grove, Portrane Road, Donabate, Dublin, and Michael Andrecut (22), Sheephill Avenue, Blanchardstown are all charged with Mr Sherry's murder.

Jonas Kabangu (18), Corduff Park, Blanchardstown, is charged with violent disorder at the same location on that date, as is a young man who turned 18 after being charged and cannot be named.