Courts / Dublin / Report
Grandfather jailed for six years for having shotgun in back garden
Summary
Donal O'Hara, 51, of Glin Park, Coolock, was sentenced to six years' imprisonment after pleading guilty to cultivating cannabis and possessing a sawn‑off shotgun. In February 2015 Gardaí discovered 72 cannabis plants in his master bedroom; O'Hara claimed they were for personal use. In June 2016 a search revealed a 12‑gauge single‑barrel shotgun and cartridges in a bag in a trailer at the rear of his house. O'Hara said he had the firearm for self‑defence after shots were fired at his home days earlier. Judge Patricia Ryan imposed a four‑year sentence for the drug offence, with one year suspended, and a seven‑year sentence for the firearms offence, with the final four years suspended, giving a total custodial term of six years. O'Hara had 29 prior convictions, including drugs, public order and road traffic offences. The court noted unusual circumstances, including threats to his family and a gun pointed at a son.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Grandfather jailed for six years for having shotgun in back garden. Charges or matters: cultivation of cannabis at his home on February 11, 2015; possession of a 12 gauge single barrel sawn off shotgun and shotgun cartridges at his home on June 22, 2016. Procedural stage: sentence
When:
- February 11, 2015 Incident
- June 22, 2016 Incident
- 2017-03-03 Publication
Case subjects
Defendant
Charges: cultivation of cannabis at his home on February 11, 2015; possession of a 12 gauge single barrel sawn off shotgun and shotgun cartridges at his home on June 22, 2016 (Admitted)
Plea: Guilty
Outcome: She imposed a consecutive sentence of seven years with the final four years suspended on the firearms offences.
Places mentioned
Topics
Drugs Public Order Road Traffic Stage Sentence
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