Courts / Limerick / Report

"Only irresistible inference" is that firearms pair intended to endanger life, court finds

Date
2019-07-05

Stage
Sentence

Primary locality
Limerick

Summary

Two Limerick men, John O'Donoghue (29) and Paul Whelan (25), were convicted by the Special Criminal Court of possessing a 9mm Colt semi‑automatic pistol with intent to endanger life after a Garda stop on 30 July 2018. The car, an Alfa Romeo, contained the loaded handgun, eight rounds in the magazine, a round in the breach, a petrol canister, latex gloves, clothes and cocaine. The judge, Ms Justice Tara Burns, noted that the firearm was primed and ready to fire, and that no fingerprints were found on it. Both men pleaded not guilty to the intent charge but guilty to possession of a firearm and ammunition in suspicious circumstances. They were remanded until sentencing on 29 July. The court emphasised that the only inference was that the firearm was intended to be used to endanger life.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: "Only irresistible inference" is that firearms pair intended to endanger life, court finds. 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: sentence

When:

July 30, 2018 Incident
July 29 Adjournment
July 30 Adjournment
2019-07-05 Publication

Why: The firearm was not intended to be used as a threat, it was in order to injure someone and that was the inescapable conclusion from the circumstances in the case, said Mr McGinn. 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

Outcome: The convicted men were remanded in custody until July 29, when they will be sentenced.

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

Outcome: The convicted men were remanded in custody until July 29, when they will be sentenced.