Man engaged in selling counterfeit DVDs was victim of punishment shooting

A Derry man who was engaged in the selling of counterfeit DVDs and cigarettes was the victim of a punishment shooting, Derry Magistrate’s Court has been told.
25 year old James Joseph Doherty of 130, Carnhill in the city admitted 21 offences that occurred on August 17 last year.
The court was told that police searched a premises in the Beechwood Avenue area and recovered more than 600 DVDs and over 1000 cigarettes.
When interviewed Doherty admitted the offences.
Defence solicitor Mr. Seamus Quigley said that it was likely this would be the last time Doherty would be before the court.
He said that Doherty’s activities had attracted the attention of other people and he had been subjected to a punishment shooting.
District Judge Barney McElholm said that if Doherty appeared before him again he would be jailed for as long as possible. He sentenced Doherty to 6 months suspended for three years and fined him a total of £1050.