Courts / Louth / Report

Non-jury court directs accused be found not guilty of having assault rifle

Date
2019-03-29

Stage
Sentence

Primary locality
Blackrock

County
Louth

Summary

In the Special Criminal Court, Michael Brady, 54, of Blackrock, Co Dublin, was directed to be found not guilty of possessing an assault rifle by Mr Justice Paul Coffey. The judge ruled there was no evidence beyond reasonable doubt linking Brady to the rifle, which was found concealed in a bed base at Sallins Bridge, Co Kildare, on January 24, 2017. Although DNA from skin cells matching Brady was found on socks containing ammunition, an expert noted this did not exclude the possibility that another person placed the rounds in socks Brady had worn. The judge further stated there was no evidence establishing when Brady accessed the bed or when the rifle was placed there. The State also withdrew a separate charge regarding the possession of three ammunition magazines. Brady had pleaded not guilty to all nine counts on his indictment, which included allegations of possessing €1.5 million worth of cocaine and €1.26 million worth of heroin. Separately, his brother, Declan Brady, 52, pleaded guilty last month to possessing 15 firearms and more than 4,000 rounds of ammunition at Greenogue Business Park, Rathcoole, Co Dublin, on the same date. Declan Brady is currently awaiting sentence. The trial for Michael Brady continues on Monday.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Non-jury court directs accused be found not guilty of having assault rifle. Charges or matters: each count; possessing 15 firearms and more than 4,000 rounds of ammunition at Greenogue Business Park, Rathcoole, Co Dublin on January 24, 2017. Procedural stage: sentence

When:

January 24, 2017 Incident
April 13, 2017 Incident
2019-03-29 Publication

Case subjects

Declan Brady

Accused

Charges: possessing 15 firearms and more than 4,000 rounds of ammunition at Greenogue Business Park, Rathcoole, Co Dublin on January 24, 2017 (Admitted)

Plea: Guilty

Outcome: He is awaiting sentence.

Michael Brady

Accused

Charges: each count; possessing 15 firearms and more than 4,000 rounds of ammunition at Greenogue Business Park, Rathcoole, Co Dublin on January 24, 2017 (Alleged Or Contested)

Plea: Not guilty