81-Year-Old Maurice Mahon Convicted for 2022 Rathfarnham Shooting of Belaga

Maurice Mahon, 81, of Bray, Co Wicklow, was convicted in March of reckless discharge of a firearm and assault causing harm to Innokenti Belaga on August 28, 2022, at Kilmashogue Lane, Rathfarnham. Mahon, a licensed gun holder, shot Belaga in the leg while he was meditating in his back garden. The shooting shattered Belaga's right femur.

Belaga spent a month in hospital and required extensive rehabilitation, using a wheelchair and then walking sticks. In his victim impact statement, Belaga described being an accomplished athlete before the assault, participating in activities like underwater hockey, bouldering, and mountain running. He stated that he can no longer participate in these activities and now lives homeless due to the level of care he required after the shooting. He also expressed the impact on his young daughter, stating he disappeared from her life overnight.

Mahon's defense stated he was hired to shoot deer attacking crops and believed he was shooting at a fox or dog near sheep. He has been a licensed gun-holder since 1985 and has no previous convictions. He also represented Ireland in boxing in 1961 and attained grandmaster level in Kenpo Karate.

Judge Sheahan ordered a Probation Service assessment and adjourned sentencing to July 27, remanding Mahon on continuing bail. Civil proceedings are at an early stage.