Courts / Cork / Report

Cork men go on trial for possession of handguns found inside pencil case

Date
2014-04-02

Stage
Trial

Primary locality
Cork

County
Cork

Summary

Two men from Cork, Anthony Carroll, 30, and Brian Walsh, 43, are on trial in the Special Criminal Court for unlawful possession of firearms. They are accused of possessing a Walther PI 9mm semi‑automatic pistol, a compatible magazine, and a Smith & Wesson .22mm Magnum revolver with serial number AEM 2000, all found in a pencil case inside a van on Deanrock Avenue, Togher, on 23 February 2013. They also face charges for holding six 9mm rounds and six .22 long‑rifle rounds suitable for those weapons. The prosecution alleges that Gardaí observed the van, noted a hooded driver, and discovered the weapons after a search. Both men pleaded not guilty to the firearms offences. They are also charged with membership of an unlawful organisation, the IRA, but that charge is to be adjourned until the firearms case concludes. The trial is presided over by Judge Paul Butler.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Cork men go on trial for possession of handguns found inside pencil case. Charges or matters: the unlawful possession of a Walther PI 9mm calibre semi-automatic pistol, a magazine suitable for use with the Walther pistol and a Smith & Wesson .22mm Magnum calibre revolver with the serial number AEM 2000 at Deanrock Avenue, Togher, on February 23, 2013; the unlawful possession of six rounds of 9mm calibre ammunition suitable for use with the Walther PI 9mm calibre semi-automatic pistol and six rounds of .22 long rifle rounds of ammunition suitable for use in a Smith & Wesson .22 magnum calibre revolver at the same address on the same date. Procedural stage: trial

When:

February 23, 2013 Incident
February 23 Hearing Or Sentence
2014-04-02 Publication

Case subjects

Anthony Carroll

Accused

Charges: the unlawful possession of a Walther PI 9mm calibre semi-automatic pistol, a magazine suitable for use with the Walther pistol and a Smith & Wesson .22mm Magnum calibre revolver with the serial number AEM 2000 at Deanrock Avenue, Togher, on February 23, 2013; the unlawful possession of six rounds of 9mm calibre ammunition suitable for use with the Walther PI 9mm calibre semi-automatic pistol and six rounds of .22 long rifle rounds of ammunition suitable for use in a Smith & Wesson .22 magnum calibre revolver at the same address on the same date (Alleged Or Contested)

Plea: Not guilty

Brian Walsh

Co Accused

Plea: Not guilty