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Dublin man avoids sentence hike over silenced pistol

Summary

Michael Hanney, 24, was sentenced by Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to five years' imprisonment with the final two years suspended for possessing a 9mm Makarov pistol, a silencer and three rounds of ammunition in a silver case, and for possessing an air pistol at his home. He pleaded guilty to both offences. The Court of Appeal dismissed the Director of Public Prosecutions' application to review the sentence, describing the case as "very serious" but noting Hanney's early admission of responsibility, his age of 22 at the time of the offence, and his positive community involvement. The judge considered the sentence to be at the outer limits of leniency but not unduly so, and therefore upheld the original sentence. No further changes to the custodial term were made.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Dublin man avoids sentence hike over silenced pistol. Charges or matters: possession of a 9mm Makarov pistol, a silencer and three rounds of ammunition at St Margaret's, Ballymun, on July 13, 2015; possession of an air pistol at his home on May 13, 2015. Procedural stage: appeal

When:

• July 13, 2015 Incident
• May 13, 2015 Incident
• July 19, 2016 Incident
• 2017-07-17 Publication

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Stage Appeal

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Read the original CNI report