Courts / Dublin / Report

Handgun accused nicknamed garda after 'Red Rock' character, trial hears

Date
2020-05-27

Stage
Trial

Primary locality
Dublin

County
Dublin

Summary

A detective testified in the Special Criminal Court that he was on first-name terms with Paul Norton (31), accused of possessing a loaded handgun and 31 rounds of 9mm ammunition at Stardust Memorial Park in Coolock, Dublin on October 5th, 2019. Norton has pleaded not guilty. The trial heard that the State's case relied on identification, as there was no DNA evidence. It is alleged that during a high-speed chase, Norton dropped a bag containing a loaded Beretta 92, a full magazine with 15 rounds, and 15 additional rounds. Detective Garda Keith Cassidy stated he could identify Norton due to familiarity with his family and friends, and noted that Norton had nicknamed him 'Paudge' after a character from the TV series 'Red Rock'. During the chase, Norton exited a VW Passat, which had sustained tire damage, and was identified by Cassidy and another detective. The trial continues.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Handgun accused nicknamed garda after 'Red Rock' character, trial hears. 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: trial

When:

October 5th, 2019 Incident
2020-05-27 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

Red Rock

Defendant