Lawyers for a hitman who shot another man as part of a gangland feud have pleaded with the Special Criminal Court not to hand down a life sentence.

Earlier this month, Caolan Smyth, of Cuileann Court, Donore, County Meath, was convicted for his role in the attempted murder of James Gately four years ago.

Mr Gately was sitting in his car outside a filling station in north Dublin on May 10th 2017 when the driver of another car pulled up alongside his, reached out the window and shot him five times.

He survived the attack thanks to a bullet-proof vest he was wearing after being told his life was in danger.

Caolan Smyth was found to be the gunman, following a trial before the non-jury Special Criminal Court.

Meanwhile, Gary McAreavey (53) of Gort Nua, Station Road, Castlebellingham, County Louth, was found guilty for his role in burning out the car afterwards.

Their lawyers pleaded for leniency today.

The maximum penalty for attempted murder is life in prison but Smyth’s barrister reminded the judges it wasn’t mandatory and urged them not to impose it.

In relation to McAreavey, the court accepted he didn’t belong to any gang and had no prior involvement in the plan to kill Mr Gately.

Both will be sentenced next month.

Reporting form Frank Greaney at the Special Criminal Court