Courts / Dublin / Report
Jail for man (50) who stored handgun to pay off debt
Summary
John Fitzsimons, 50, of Old Tower Crescent, Clondalkin, Dublin, was sentenced to five years' imprisonment with two and a half years suspended after pleading guilty to possession of a semi‑automatic pistol, ammunition and a silencer in suspicious circumstances. The court found that Fitzsimons had agreed to store the handgun for a third party to pay off a debt, but had never actually handled the weapon. He had no prior convictions and was described as a "prisoner in his own home" after the agreement. Judge Karen O'Connor noted his lack of criminal history, his work background, and his cooperation with Gardaí, yet emphasised that storing firearms facilitates serious offences. The sentence was back‑dated to 29 October 2016, and the judge considered the public interest and safety in imposing the penalty. The court also acknowledged his past substance abuse and his productive use of time in custody.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Jail for man (50) who stored handgun to pay off debt. Charges or matters: possession of a semi-automatic pistol, a quantity of ammunition and a silencer in suspicious circumstances at his home on October 29 last year. Procedural stage: sentence
When:
- October 29 Incident
- October 29, 2016 Hearing Or Sentence
- 2017-05-25 Publication
Why: A Dublin man with no previous convictions has been jailed for two and a half years after he agreed to store a handgun for a third party in order to pay off a debt. CNI source report
Case subjects
Defendant
Charges: possession of a semi-automatic pistol, a quantity of ammunition and a silencer in suspicious circumstances at his home on October 29 last year (Admitted)
Plea: Guilty
Outcome: Passing sentence at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court, Judge Karen O'Connor said it was unlikely that Fitzsimons would come before the courts again. She noted that imprisonment was particularly difficult for a man who has no history of offending before imposing a sentence of five years in jail with two and a half years suspended.; He made full admissions to gardaí and was remanded in custody, where he has engaged in counselling organised by the Merchant's Quay Project.
Places mentioned
- Dublin
- Dublin Circuit Criminal Court
Topics
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