Ireland Case No. 2813Murder · Co. Dublin · 27 Jul 2020
Man convicted of 2020 Ballyfermot murder faces life sentence
Thomas McCarthy, a 55-year-old father and grandfather living in the UK, was shot seven times at the front door of his mother's home in Croftwood Park, Ballyfermot, Dublin on 27 July 2020, suffering nine separate gunshot injuries. Charles McClean and Mark Lee pleaded guilty in January 2023 to facilitating a criminal organisation in the killing and were sentenced in April 2023 to ten and nine years respectively. Cailean Crawford, 28, who pleaded not guilty to the murder, was found guilty by a unanimous jury on 3 December 2024 and was remanded in custody for a mandatory life sentence on 20 December 2024.
- Reportednot reported
- Arrestednot reported
- Chargednot reported
- In court31 Jan
3 reports - Convicted3 Dec
4 reports - Sentenced27 Apr
2 reports
reportedhappened, not reportedlatest stagenot yet
Key facts
consolidated from all reports- What happened
- Thomas McCarthy, 55, was shot seven times at the front door of his mother's home and died at the scene, suffering nine separate gunshot injuries.
- Where
- The shooting took place at Croftwood Park, Ballyfermot, Dublin 10.
- When
- The murder took place on 27 July 2020.
- Weapon
- A 9mm semi-automatic weapon was recovered from a burned-out blue Ford Fiesta.
- Investigation
- CCTV showed a blue Ford Fiesta in the area, and several vehicles used in the shooting were bought on Done Deal with false registration details.
- Charges
- Charles McClean and Mark Lee pleaded guilty to facilitating a criminal organisation in the murder of Thomas McCarthy.
- Cailean Crawford, 28, pleaded not guilty to the murder of Thomas McCarthy.
- In court
- A jury of six men and six women returned a unanimous guilty verdict against Crawford on 3 December 2024 after eight hours and 20 minutes of deliberation.
- Sentence
- McClean was sentenced to ten years and Lee to nine years in April 2023, with portions of each sentence suspended.
- Crawford was remanded in custody to 20 December 2024 for a mandatory life sentence for murder.
- Other details
- McCarthy was a father of five and grandfather of two who lived in the UK and had returned to visit his mother in Ballyfermot.
- Crawford was already serving a sentence for conspiring to murder Wayne Whelan.
88 statements extracted from the articles
- whatThomas McCarthy was a 55-year-old father and grandfather who lived in the UK with his wife and children. (irishtimes.com)
- whatTwo men were jailed for facilitating a criminal organisation in the fatal shooting of Thomas McCarthy. (irishmirror.ie)
- whatCharles McClean and Mark Lee admitted facilitating a criminal organisation in the fatal shooting of Thomas McCarthy. (irishtimes.com)
- whatThomas McCarthy was shot seven times at the front door of his mother's home and died at the scene. (rte.ie)
- whatA jury found Cailean Crawford guilty of murdering Thomas McCarthy. (thejournal.ie)
- whatThe verdict was unanimous. (thejournal.ie)
- whatCrawford had pleaded not guilty to the murder. (thejournal.ie)
- whatMcCarthy was shot repeatedly when he answered the front door at his mother's home. (thejournal.ie)
- whatProsecutors said McCarthy was shot seven times. (thejournal.ie)
- whatThe State's case was that Crawford was the gunman who fired and fatally injured McCarthy. (thejournal.ie)
- whatA blue Ford Fiesta was seen driving in and out of the area on CCTV. (irishmirror.ie)
- whatCrawford arrived at the scene in a blue Ford Fiesta captured on CCTV. (irishtimes.com)
- whereThomas McCarthy was shot at the front door of a house in Ballyfermot. (irishmirror.ie)
- whereThe sentences were handed down at the Central Criminal Court. (irishmirror.ie)
- whereThe murder took place at Croftwood Park, Ballyfermot, Dublin. (rte.ie)
- whereThe murder took place at Croftwood Park, Ballyfermot, Dublin 10. (thejournal.ie, irishmirror.ie)
- whereThe murder took place at Croftwood Park, Ballyfermot. (irishtimes.com)
- whenThomas McCarthy was shot at his mother's house in Ballyfermot on July 27, 2020. (irishmirror.ie)
- whenThe shooting took place on 27 July 2020. (irishtimes.com)
- whenThe murder took place on 27 July 2020. (rte.ie, thejournal.ie, irishtimes.com)
- causeMr McCarthy suffered nine separate gunshot injuries. (irishmirror.ie)
- causeThomas McCarthy suffered nine separate gunshot injuries. (irishmirror.ie)
- causeMcCarthy had suffered nine gunshot injuries. (irishtimes.com)
- weaponForensic experts determined that a gun found in the burned-out Ford Fiesta was a 9mm calibre. (irishmirror.ie)
- weaponA 9mm semi-automatic weapon was retrieved from a blue Ford Fiesta. (thejournal.ie)
- weaponA 9mm semi-automatic weapon was retrieved from the Fiesta. (irishmirror.ie)
- investigationSeveral vehicles used in the shooting were bought on Done Deal and registered with false details. (irishmirror.ie)
- investigationGardaí had received no motive for the murder and McCarthy was not known to them for criminal behaviour. (irishtimes.com)
- investigationCCTV showed a blue Ford Fiesta driving in and out of the area. (thejournal.ie)
- chargeMcClean replied guilty when the charge on the indictment was read to him. (thejournal.ie)
- chargeThe charge states that between 25 July and 27 July 2020, with knowledge of a criminal organisation, McClean intentionally or recklessly committed an act to facilitate the murder of Thomas McCarthy. (thejournal.ie)
- chargeMark Lee, 32, of Balgaddy in Lucan, admitted to the same charge between 26 July and 27 July 2020. (thejournal.ie)
- chargeThe charge states that between January 25th and July 27th, 2020, McClean intentionally or recklessly committed an act to facilitate the murder of Thomas McCarthy with knowledge of a criminal organisation. (irishtimes.com)
- chargeMark Lee (32) of Balgaddy in Lucan pleaded guilty to the same charge for the period between July 26th and July 27th, 2020. (irishtimes.com)
- chargeMcClean and Lee have admitted facilitating a criminal organisation in the fatal shooting of Mr McCarthy. (irishmirror.ie)
- chargeMcClean pleaded guilty to facilitating the murder of Mr McCarthy between January 25 and July 27, 2020. (irishmirror.ie)
- chargeLee admitted the same charge between July 26 and July 27, 2020. (irishmirror.ie)
- chargeCharles McClean pleaded guilty to facilitating the murder of Thomas McCarthy. (irishmirror.ie)
- chargeMark Lee admitted the same charge for acts between July 26 and July 27, 2020. (irishmirror.ie)
- chargeMcClean pleaded guilty to intentionally or recklessly facilitating the murder of McCarthy between January 25th and July 27th, 2020. (irishtimes.com)
- chargeLee admitted the same charge covering July 26th and July 27th, 2020. (irishtimes.com)
- chargeCrawford had pleaded not guilty to the murder of Thomas McCarthy (55) on July 27, 2020. (irishmirror.ie)
- chargeCrawford had pleaded not guilty to murdering Thomas McCarthy (55). (irishtimes.com)
- courtMr Justice Paul McDermott adjourned the matter to 6 March for mention. (thejournal.ie)
- courtMr Justice Paul McDermott adjourned the matter to 6 March 2023 for mention. (irishtimes.com)
- courtThe sentencing hearing was held at the Central Criminal Court. (irishmirror.ie)
- courtThe judge said McClean had engaged in two very serious crimes and must pay a penalty for both. (irishmirror.ie)
- courtA jury found Crawford guilty of the murder of Thomas McCarthy. (rte.ie)
- courtThe jury of six men and six women deliberated for eight hours and 20 minutes. (thejournal.ie)
- courtCrawford was already serving a jail sentence for conspiring to murder Wayne Whelan. (thejournal.ie, irishmirror.ie)
- courtCrawford shouted an obscenity about his fair trial and left the dock after the verdict. (thejournal.ie)
- courtA jury of six men and six women deliberated for eight hours and 20 minutes before returning a unanimous verdict against Crawford. (irishmirror.ie)
- courtMr Justice Tony Hunt presided over the trial. (irishmirror.ie)
- courtCrawford was remanded in custody to December 20 for the mandatory sentence of life imprisonment. (irishmirror.ie)
- courtThe judge exempted the jury panel from jury service for a period of 20 years. (irishmirror.ie)
- courtA jury of six men and six women deliberated for eight hours and 20 minutes before returning a unanimous verdict. (irishtimes.com)
- sentenceMcClean was remanded in custody and Lee on continuing bail to 27 April for sentencing. (irishmirror.ie)
- sentenceLee was sentenced to nine years in prison, with the final 12 months suspended for three years. (irishmirror.ie, irishtimes.com)
- sentenceMcClean was sentenced to ten years in prison, with the final 18 months suspended for three years. (irishmirror.ie)
- sentenceThe sentence for facilitation runs consecutively to McClean's existing eight-year sentence for conspiracy to commit murder. (irishmirror.ie)
- sentenceMcClean will begin an 8½-year sentence after serving an eight-year term from a previous conviction. (irishtimes.com)
- sentenceThe judge set a headline sentence of 13 years for Lee. (irishtimes.com)
- sentenceThe two men received combined jail sentences totalling 16½ years at the Central Criminal Court. (irishtimes.com)
- sentenceCrawford was remanded in custody for sentencing in two weeks' time and faces a mandatory life sentence. (rte.ie)
- sentenceCrawford was remanded in custody until 20 December, when he will be given the mandatory sentence for murder of life imprisonment. (thejournal.ie)
- sentenceMcClean was serving consecutive sentences of 16.5 years for facilitating the murder of Thomas McCarthy and conspiring to murder Wayne Whelan. (irishmirror.ie)
- sentenceMcClean was jailed for an additional three-and-a-half years for impeding the apprehension of the person who murdered Mark 'Guinea Pig' Desmond. (irishmirror.ie)
- sentenceIn September 2021, Crawford was sentenced to seven years with the final two suspended for conspiracy to murder Wayne Whelan. (irishmirror.ie)
- sentenceMr Justice Hunt remanded Crawford in custody to 20 December for a mandatory life sentence for murder. (irishtimes.com)
- otherPauline McCarthy, the victim's mother, witnessed the shooting. (irishmirror.ie)
- otherThe judge said Lee was assessed as having a high risk of reoffending. (irishmirror.ie)
- otherMcCarthy was due to return to his home in England hours after he was shot. (irishtimes.com)
- otherMcClean has 20 previous convictions, including conspiracy to commit murder over the September 2019 attempted murder of Wayne Whelan. (irishtimes.com)
- otherThe gunman fled with other gang members, and two cars and a van were later found burned out. (rte.ie)
- otherCharles McClean has already been convicted for his role in the murder. (rte.ie)
- otherThe jury rejected the defence claim that Crawford was involved in drug dealing and had loaned a phone and van to another man. (thejournal.ie)
- otherThe judge described Crawford as a very dangerous individual. (thejournal.ie)
- otherMcCarthy had five children and two grandchildren and was living in the UK at the time. (irishmirror.ie)
- otherCrawford was from Clifden Terrace, Ballyfermot. (irishmirror.ie)
- otherCharles McClean (35) was described by a Central Criminal Court judge as a "remorseless" criminal. (irishmirror.ie)
- otherCrawford said he had loaned a GoVan to McClean on the morning of the killing. (irishmirror.ie)
- otherSome of the cars used in the murder were later found burnt out. (irishmirror.ie)
- otherCrawford is already serving a sentence for conspiring to murder Wayne Whelan. (irishtimes.com)
- otherMr McCarthy had five children and two grandchildren. (irishtimes.com)
- otherMr McCarthy was living in the UK and had returned to visit his family and his mother in Ballyfermot. (irishtimes.com)
- otherThe defence case was that Crawford had loaned a phone and a GoVan to associate Charles McClean on the morning of the killing. (irishtimes.com)
- otherMcClean was already serving consecutive sentences of 16½ years for facilitating the murder of McCarthy and conspiring to murder Wayne Whelan. (irishtimes.com)
- otherMcClean was jailed for an additional 3½ years for impeding the apprehension of the person who murdered Mark Desmond. (irishtimes.com)
The reporting
newest first- 3 Dec2024Accused storms out of dock after being convicted of murdering man (55) in Ballyfermot
Reports the jury's unanimous guilty verdict after eight hours and 20 minutes of deliberation, Crawford's outburst leaving the dock, the judge's comments, and remand for mandatory life sentencing on 20 December 2024.
victim, Thomas McCarthy, 55, male, irish (judged from name)Thomas McCarthyconvicted, Cailean Crawford, 28, male, named, irish (judged from name)Cailean Crawfordconvicted, Charles McClean, 35, male, named, irish (judged from name)Charles McClean - 3 Dec2024Killer's furious courtroom rant as he's convicted of grandfather's murder
Reports the unanimous guilty verdict after 8 hours 20 minutes of deliberation, Crawford's outburst, Mr Justice Hunt's comments on the accused, details of the prosecution and defence cases, and the remand for sentencing.
victim, Thomas McCarthy, 55, male, irish (judged from name)Thomas McCarthyconvicted, Cailean Crawford, male, named, irish (judged from name)Cailean Crawfordvictim, female, irish (judged from name)suspect, Charles McClean, 35, male, named, irish (judged from name)Charles McClean - 3 Dec2024'Cold-blooded' gunman found guilty of murdering grandfather in Ballyfermot in 2020
Reports the jury verdict of guilty on 3 December 2024, the trial evidence and closing arguments, the judge's remarks, and the sentencing date of 20 December.
victim, Thomas McCarthy, 55, male, irish (judged from name)Thomas McCarthyconvicted, Cailean Crawford, 28, male, named, irish (judged from name)Cailean Crawford - 3 Dec2024'Cold-blooded' gunman guilty of murder of Thomas McCarthy
Reports the jury verdict finding Crawford guilty of murder, his outburst after the verdict, remand for sentencing in two weeks, and the judge's remarks. Confirms Charles McClean was already convicted for his role in the murder.
victim, Thomas McCarthy, 55, male, irish (judged from name)Thomas McCarthyconvicted, Cailean Crawford, 28, male, named, irish (judged from name)Cailean Crawfordconvicted, Charles McClean, male, named, irish (judged from name)Charles McClean - 27 Apr2023Duo jailed for facilitating criminal organisation in fatal shooting
Reports the sentencing at the Central Criminal Court of McClean and Lee, who pleaded guilty to facilitating the murder, with combined sentences of 16½ years, the judge's reasoning, and the victim's background and family impact.
victim, Thomas McCarthy, 55, male, irish (judged from name)Thomas McCarthyconvicted, Charles McClean, 34, male, named, irish (judged from name)Charles McCleanconvicted, Mark Lee, 32, male, named, irish (judged from name)Mark Lee - 27 Apr2023Two men jailed over unexplained shooting of innocent dad Thomas McCarthy
Reports the sentencing of McClean and Lee for facilitating the murder, with the judge's reasoning, sentence lengths and suspended portions. The existing case covers the murder conviction of Cailean Crawford and does not mention these sentences.
victim, Thomas McCarthy, 55, male, irish (judged from name)Thomas McCarthyconvicted, Charles McClean, 34, male, named, irish (judged from name)Charles McCleanconvicted, Mark Lee, 32, male, named, irish (judged from name)Mark Lee - 18 Apr2023Father-of-five shot dead at house was due to return home to England hours later
Reports a sentencing hearing for McClean and Lee, who pleaded guilty to facilitating the murder, and adds their pleas, the victim impact statements, the forensic and vehicle evidence, and the adjournment to 27 April for sentencing.
victim, Thomas McCarthy, 55, male, irish (judged from name)Thomas McCarthyconvicted, Charles McClean, 34, male, named, irish (judged from name)Charles McCleanconvicted, Mark Lee, 32, male, named, irish (judged from name)Mark Lee - 31 Jan2023Second man pleads guilty to facilitating murder of Thomas McCarthy
Details the arraignment of McClean and Lee at the Central Criminal Court where both pleaded guilty to facilitating the murder; matter adjourned to 6 March 2023 for mention before Mr Justice Paul McDermott.
victim, Thomas McCarthy, 55, male, irish (judged from name)Thomas McCarthyaccused, Charles McClean, 32, male, named, irish (judged from name)Charles McCleanaccused, Mark Lee, 32, male, named, irish (judged from name)Mark Lee - 31 Jan2023Second man admits facilitating gang in murder of Thomas McCarthy
Reports that McClean pleaded guilty on 31 January 2023 and Mark Lee admitted the same charge on 30 January 2023; Mr Justice Paul McDermott adjourned the matter to 6 March for mention.
accused, Charles McClean, 32, male, named, irish (judged from name)Charles McCleanaccused, Mark Lee, 32, male, named, irish (judged from name)Mark Leevictim, Thomas McCarthy, male, irish (judged from name)Thomas McCarthy