2025-04-01 · Dublin
Man tells court he had suspicious object for 'sexual purposes'
Barry Horan, 55, of De Selby Green, Tallaght, was stopped by Garda Aaron Murphy at an Applegreen petrol station on 6 April 2024 over a public order matter. When asked if he possessed a firearm or offensive weapon, Horan said he had an object in his pocket for "self‑defence". He was arrested, cautioned and taken to Tallaght Garda Station under Sections 9(1) and (7) of the Firearms and Offensive Weapons Act. In court, a sharp, green steel object in a clear plastic bag was presented to Judge Patricia McNamara, who noted it resembled a key ring. Horan's counsel, Ms Lauren Flanagan, instructed Horan to say the object was used for "sexual purposes", prompting laughter. During cross‑examination, Garda Murphy admitted he had not cited the legal power under which the search was conducted.