Courts / Dublin / Report

'Only use' for loaded gun was to endanger life, trial to hear

Date
2020-07-06

Stage
Trial

Primary locality
Dublin

County
Dublin

Summary

In a Special Criminal Court hearing, Edward McDonnell, 55, of Waterside Apartments, New Ross, was arraigned on two charges of unlawful possession of a Grand Power G9 semi‑automatic pistol and possession of that weapon with intent to endanger life. The prosecution, represented by Sean Gillane SC, presented evidence from a Garda surveillance operation that began on 11 September 2019 in north Dublin. The operation involved a Toyota Avensis driven by Stephen Little and an unknown male, and a navy‑coloured Audi parked at Lein Park, Harmonstown. On 13 September, Garda Jonathan O'Leary discovered a loaded handgun under the Avensis passenger seat, removed its magazine, and later returned it to the seat. On 14 September, McDonnell allegedly exited the Avensis, approached the Audi, took a key, and entered the vehicle before being arrested. During the arrest, items such as two balaclavas, two black caps, two pairs of gloves, a red petrol can, and an encrypted phone were recovered. Edward McDonnell pleaded not guilty.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: 'Only use' for loaded gun was to endanger life, trial to hear. Charges or matters: the counts; unlawful possession of a Grand Power G9 semi-automatic pistol at Lein Park, Harmonstown, Dublin 5, on 14 September 2019. Procedural stage: trial

When:

September 14, 2019 Incident
September 11, 2019 Incident
September 11 Incident
14 September 2019 Incident
September 12 Incident
September 13 Incident
September 14 Hearing Or Sentence
2020-07-06 Publication

Why: Counsel explained that a Toyota Avensis vehicle was observed being driven by Stephen Little and an unknown male in the Harmonstown area of north Dublin on September 11 at 9. CNI source report

Case subjects

Edward McDonnell

Accused

Charges: the counts; unlawful possession of a Grand Power G9 semi-automatic pistol at Lein Park, Harmonstown, Dublin 5, on 14 September 2019 (Alleged Or Contested)

Plea: Not guilty

Outcome: Following the opening Mr Justice Tony Hunt presiding, with Judge Sarah Berkeley and Judge Dermot Dempsey, adjourned the trial until tomorrow.