Courts / Limerick / Report

Limerick men stopped in car with loaded handgun, petrol and drugs, trial hears

Date
2019-06-20

Stage
Trial

Primary locality
Limerick

Summary

Two Limerick men, Paul Whelan (25) and John O'Donoghue (29), were stopped by Gardaí on 30 July 2018 in an Alfa Romeo on Park Road, Corbally. The vehicle contained a loaded 9mm Colt semi‑automatic pistol with eight rounds, two cans of petrol, a glove, a mobile phone and a change of clothing, including a double set of clothing worn by Whelan. Gardaí described the stop as involving multiple Garda vehicles; the Alfa Romeo rammed a Garda car and then reversed, attempting to escape. Whelan was extracted from the front passenger seat and O'Donoghue from the driver's seat after Garda officers broke windows. Both men were arrested at the scene. The Special Criminal Court heard evidence that the presence of the firearm, petrol, glove and clothing indicated an intention to endanger life. The trial, presided by Ms Justice Tara Burns, is expected to last one week. Paul Whelan pleaded not guilty. John O'Donoghue pleaded not guilty.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Limerick men stopped in car with loaded handgun, petrol and drugs, trial hears. Charges or matters: possession of a 9mm Colt, semi-automatic pistol with intent to endanger life at Park Road, Limerick on July 30, 2018. Procedural stage: trial

When:

July 30, 2018 Incident
July 30 Incident
July 31 Other
2019-06-20 Publication

Why: The non-jury court heard there will be further evidence that the garda stop involved a number of "different garda vehicles" and the Alfa Romeo car had "rammed" one of the garda cars in order to evade arrest. Court evidence reported by CNI

Case subjects

John O'Donoghue

Defendant

Charges: possession of a 9mm Colt, semi-automatic pistol with intent to endanger life at Park Road, Limerick on July 30, 2018 (Alleged Or Contested)

Plea: Not guilty

Paul Whelan

Defendant

Charges: possession of a 9mm Colt, semi-automatic pistol with intent to endanger life at Park Road, Limerick on July 30, 2018 (Alleged Or Contested)

Plea: Not guilty