Ireland Joseph Richards, 35, jailed for seven years over 2018 murder of Robert Sheridan in Ballymun
Joseph Richards, 35, was sentenced to seven-and-a-half years (with six months suspended) at the Central Criminal Court on 24 February 2026 after pleading guilty to conspiracy to murder 45-year-old Robert Sheridan, who was shot at his front door in Poppintree Crescent, Ballymun, on 5 October 2018. The judge described the killing as a 'meticulously planned' execution and directed that the sentence run consecutively to Richards's existing term, giving him an effective sentence of more than 12 years.
- Reportednot reported
- Arrestednot reported
- Chargednot reported
- In courtnot reported
- Verdictnot reported
- Sentenced24 Feb
2 reports
Key facts
consolidated from all reports28 statements extracted from the articles
- whatJoseph Richards, 35, was sentenced to seven-and-a-half years with the final six months suspended for two years. (irishmirror.ie)
- whatRobert Sheridan, 45, was shot and killed at his front door. (irishmirror.ie)
- whatA friend of the victim was lured to betray him by convincing him to come to his front door. (irishmirror.ie)
- whatA getaway car was used in the murder. (irishmirror.ie)
- whereThe murder took place in Poppintree Crescent, Ballymun. (irishmirror.ie)
- whereRichards is from Lanesborough Square, Finglas. (irishmirror.ie)
- whenThe murder occurred on 5 October 2018. (irishmirror.ie)
- causeSheridan had vulnerabilities following a motorcycle crash that left him with head injuries and difficulties living independently. (irishmirror.ie)
- chargeRichards pleaded guilty to conspiracy to murder after the DPP agreed not to pursue the original murder charge. (irishtimes.com, irishmirror.ie)
- courtThe sentencing took place at the Central Criminal Court before Judge Paul McDermott. (irishtimes.com)
- courtThe sentencing took place at the Central Criminal Court before Mr Justice Paul McDermott. (irishmirror.ie)
- sentenceRichards was sentenced to seven and a half years with the final six months suspended for two years. (irishtimes.com)
- sentenceThe conspiracy sentence will commence after Richards completes his current term, giving an effective sentence of more than 12 years. (irishtimes.com, irishmirror.ie)
- otherGardaí had previously warned Sheridan of a threat to his life. (irishtimes.com, irishmirror.ie)
- otherIn the lead-up to the murder, Sheridan's car was set alight and shots were fired at his home. (irishtimes.com, irishmirror.ie)
- otherThe gun used in the shooting was never found. (irishtimes.com, irishmirror.ie)
- otherA getaway car was used in the shooting. (irishtimes.com)
- otherRichards has 99 previous convictions. (irishtimes.com, irishmirror.ie)
- otherRichards has been in prison since 2021 and is currently serving a sentence of six years and five months. (irishtimes.com, irishmirror.ie)
- otherThe victim had vulnerabilities following a motorcycle crash that left him with head injuries and difficulties living independently. (irishtimes.com)
- otherThe victim's daughter had to be physically restrained when she arrived at the scene and saw her father with gunshot wounds to his head. (irishtimes.com)
- otherThe victim had completed studies in addiction counselling and planned to work in that field. (irishtimes.com)
- otherThe maximum sentence available for conspiracy to murder in 2018 was 10 years. (irishtimes.com)
- otherIn 2023 the Oireachtas amended the legislation to introduce the possibility of life imprisonment for conspiracy to murder. (irishtimes.com)
- otherRobert Sheridan was a father of two. (irishmirror.ie)
- otherThe maximum sentence available for conspiracy to murder in 2018 was ten years. (irishmirror.ie)
- otherIn 2023 the Oireachtas amended the legislation to allow life imprisonment for conspiracy to murder. (irishmirror.ie)
- otherRichards attempted to address his drug addiction issues in prison and has apologised. (irishmirror.ie)
The reporting
newest first- 24 Feb2026Shooter "meticulously planned" murder of a much-loved victim jailed
Sentencing details: Judge Paul McDermott described the murder as 'meticulously planned', noted the victim's vulnerabilities from a prior motorcycle crash, and imposed a seven-and-a-half-year sentence (six months suspended) to run consecutively to Richards's existing six-year-five-month term, yielding an effective sentence of over 12 years. The article also notes the 2023 legislative amendment allowing life imprisonment for conspiracy to murder.
victim, Robert Sheridan, 45, male, irish (judged from name)Robert Sheridanconvicted, Joseph Richards, 35, male, named, irish (judged from name)Joseph Richards - 24 Feb2026Gunman jailed for seven years in connection with ‘meticulously planned’ murder in Ballymun
Reports the sentencing of Joseph Richards for conspiracy to murder Robert Sheridan in Ballymun in 2018, including details of the pre-planning, the victim's vulnerability, and the effective combined sentence of more than 12 years.
victim, Robert Sheridan, 45, male, irish (judged from name)Robert Sheridanconvicted, Joseph Richards, 35, male, named, irish (judged from name)Joseph Richards