Courts / Dublin / Report

Loaded handgun dropped after chase through Stardust Memorial, trial to hear

Date
2020-05-20

Stage
Hearing Or Decision

Primary locality
Dublin

County
Dublin

Summary

Paul Norton, aged 31, pleaded not guilty to unlawful possession of a Beretta handgun and 31 rounds of 9mm ammunition after he dropped a bag containing the weapon and ammunition while being chased by Gardaí through Stardust Memorial Park, Coolock, on 5 October 2019. The prosecution, represented by Mr John Byrne JC, argued that the State's case relied on visual identification. Gardaí Jason Flynn and Keith Cassidy pursued a parked Volkswagen Passat that failed to stop, leading to a high‑speed chase of 4.5 kilometres. The occupants fled into the park, where Det Gda Flynn chased Norton on foot for about 160 metres, observed him stumble and drop the bag, and secured it. No forensic or DNA evidence linked the firearm, ammunition or vehicle to Norton; the case was based on visual identification. Detailed maps and photographs of the scene and pursuit route were entered into evidence.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Loaded handgun dropped after chase through Stardust Memorial, trial to hear. Charges or matters: the unlawful possession of a Beretta handgun and 31 rounds of 9mm ammunition at the Stardust Memorial Park in Coolock, Dublin on October 5th, 2019. Procedural stage: hearing_or_decision

When:

October 5th, 2019 Incident
October 5th Other
2020-05-20 Publication

Case subjects

Paul Norton

Defendant

Charges: the unlawful possession of a Beretta handgun and 31 rounds of 9mm ammunition at the Stardust Memorial Park in Coolock, Dublin on October 5th, 2019 (Alleged Or Contested)

Plea: Not guilty

Stardust Memorial

Defendant

Charges: the unlawful possession of a Beretta handgun and 31 rounds of 9mm ammunition at the Stardust Memorial Park in Coolock, Dublin on October 5th, 2019 (Alleged Or Contested)

Plea: Not guilty