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'One minute I'm looking at a car, next thing I'm lying on the floor covered in blood': firearms accused told gardai

Date
2020-07-09

Stage
Trial

Primary locality
Dublin

County
Dublin

Summary

Edward McDonnell, 55, of Waterside Apartments, New Ross, was arrested on 14 September 2019 in Dublin for unlawful possession of a Grand Power G9 semi‑automatic pistol and for having the weapon with intent to endanger life. Garda Eoin Byrne interviewed McDonnell at Raheny Garda Station the same day. McDonnell claimed he had come to Dublin to look at cars, stating, "One minute I'm looking at a car, next thing I'm lying on the floor covered in blood." He said he had driven from New Ross to Ballyfermot, left his Toyota RAV4 at Mr Price, and then went to view a dark‑coloured Audi at Lein Park. Garda David McGinley showed McDonnell items found on him at arrest, including two balaclavas, two baseball caps, gloves and a red petrol can. Detective Sergeant John Keane testified that McDonnell entered the Audi with his firearm drawn and was removed by an armed garda. Edward McDonnell pleaded not guilty.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: 'One minute I'm looking at a car, next thing I'm lying on the floor covered in blood': firearms accused told gardai. Charges or matters: being in unlawful possession of a semi-automatic pistol namely a Grand Power G9, and having the weapon with intent to endanger life at Lein Park, Harmonstown, Dublin 5 on September 14, 2019. Procedural stage: trial

When:

September 14, 2019 Incident
September 14 Incident
September 12 Other
2020-07-09 Publication

Why: Mr McDonnell explained that he had not done anything wrong and was only looking at cars saying: "This is nothing to do with me. CNI source report

Case subjects

Edward McDonnell

Defendant

Charges: being in unlawful possession of a semi-automatic pistol namely a Grand Power G9, and having the weapon with intent to endanger life at Lein Park, Harmonstown, Dublin 5 on September 14, 2019 (Alleged Or Contested)

Plea: Not guilty