Courts / Limerick / Report

Trial judges view "double set of clothing"

Date
2019-06-21

Stage
Trial

Primary locality
Limerick

Summary

The Special Criminal Court has heard evidence in the trial of John O'Donoghue and Paul Whelan, who are accused of possessing a 9mm Colt semi-automatic pistol with intent to endanger life at Park Road, Limerick, on July 30, 2018. Both men, from Moyross, Limerick, have pleaded not guilty. Prosecution counsel Dominic McGinn SC stated the central issue is intention rather than possession, highlighting that Garda Robert Sheehy found a loaded handgun, cocaine, petrol canisters, and gloves in an Alfa Romeo stopped by the Emergency Response Unit. The court examined a "double set of clothing" worn by Mr. Whelan, who was wearing a grey Adidas hoodie under another hoodie and black tracksuit pants over grey Adidas pants. Mr. O'Donoghue was arrested under Section 30 of the Offences Against the State Act. A statement from a Lithuanian national described a nervous man with metal teeth who attempted to purchase a car on July 27. Defence counsel Colman Cody SC noted that Mr. Whelan reported taking cocaine, Xanax, and cannabis prior to arrest and was referred to Limerick Regional Hospital. The prosecution contends that the combination of the firearm, petrol, and clothing supports an inference of intent to endanger life. The trial, presided over by Ms Justice Tara Burns with Judges Patricia Ryan and Flann Brennan, is expected to last one week and continues on Monday.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Trial judges view "double set of clothing". 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 27 Hearing Or Sentence
2019-06-21 Publication

Why: Mr McGinn explained that the firearm was examined by ballistics and was found to be loaded with eight rounds of ammunition. CNI source report

Case subjects

John O'Donoghue

Accused

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

Accused

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