Aaron Cunningham, who received a suspended sentence for making threats, witnessed the murder of his father, Paul Cunningham, in a gangland feud when he was a child. The murder occurred in 2004 and was referred to during a recent sentence hearing, during which Aaron’s difficult childhood was noted as he had witnessed his father’s killing. His defence solicitor described his childhood as characterised by stress and anxiety as a result of the murder. Paul Cunningham was killed in a shooting while in bed with his partner, with whom he had a child, and both Aaron and other family members were present at the time. Gang violence was rife in the area at the time following the collapse of The Westies gang, and this led to fears of further reprisals.
Paul Cunningham had a criminal record and was believed to have been involved in drug dealing and armed crime. He was associated with a gang that included members who were believed to have been put under a curse due to the number of deaths within the group, with Paul being the third member of his family to have died violently. Aaron and his uncle, John Cunningham, were recently in court for threatening to kill a man who they had given deposits to for Canada Goose jackets that were never delivered. The victim had previously supplied Aaron with similar jackets, and the two men had handed over €4,300 for more jackets ahead of Christmas 2020. After becoming impatient at the lack of delivery, John Cunningham threatened to burn down the victim’s home and demanded payment, subsequently threatening him with violence. Suspended sentences were imposed on both men, who apologized for their actions.
Overall, the content highlights the ongoing issue of gang violence in certain areas of Dublin, which can have long-lasting impacts on individuals and their families. The case of Aaron Cunningham and his father’s murder is a tragic example of this, and it is important for authorities to work towards preventing such violence and supporting those who have been affected by it. The recent sentencing of Aaron and his uncle also highlights the seriousness of making threats and engaging in violent behaviour, even in the context of disputes over personal belongings.
