Courts / Dublin / Report
Trial of man accused of dropping handgun at Stardust Memorial comes to close
Summary
The Special Criminal Court will deliver a verdict next month in the case of Paul Norton (31) from Cromcastle Court, Coolock, Dublin 17, who is accused of dropping a loaded handgun during a chase through the Stardust Memorial Park on October 5th, 2019. Norton has pleaded not guilty to the unlawful possession of a handgun and ammunition. The trial has heard that the State's case relies on recognition by two detectives, Det Gda Keith Cassidy and Det Gda Jason Flynn, who both identified Norton during the chase. They stated that Norton exited the driver's side of a Volkswagen Passat and looked directly at their windscreen. The detectives, who have 13 years of experience working in Coolock, said they simultaneously recognized Norton. However, the defense, led by Mr Michael Bowman SC, argued that there was a lack of physical description of the suspect in any Garda statement and that the evidence was insufficient.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Trial of man accused of dropping handgun at Stardust Memorial comes to close. Charges or matters: the unlawful possession of a handgun and ammunition at the Stardust Memorial Park in Coolock, Dublin on October 5th, 2019. Procedural stage: trial
When:
- October 5th, 2019 Incident
- 31 July Adjournment
- 2020-06-03 Publication
Why: The judge said that this issue "cuts to the basis of the case being one of recognition because the Garda evidence is about this being up-close-and-personal". CNI source report
Case subjects
Defendant
Charges: the unlawful possession of a handgun and ammunition at the Stardust Memorial Park in Coolock, Dublin on October 5th, 2019 (Alleged Or Contested)
Plea: Not guilty
Outcome: Mr Justice Hunt adjourned the matter until 31 July, when a verdict is to be delivered.
Defendant
Charges: the unlawful possession of a handgun and ammunition at the Stardust Memorial Park in Coolock, Dublin on October 5th, 2019 (Alleged Or Contested)
Plea: Not guilty
Outcome: Mr Justice Hunt adjourned the matter until 31 July, when a verdict is to be delivered.
Places mentioned
- The Special Criminal Court
- Stardust Memorial Park
- Greencastle Drive
Topics
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