Courts / Dublin / Report

'Deep and dark' cocaine addiction saw man stash submachine gun

Date
2020-12-17
Stage
Sentence
Primary locality
Dublin
County
Dublin

Summary

Anthony White, aged 25, received a five‑year custodial sentence with the final two years suspended on strict conditions, after pleading guilty to possession of a submachine gun, 50 rounds of ammunition, and €100 worth of cocaine. White admitted that a drug debt of €4,500 and a fear of violence forced him to hold the weapon, which he claimed he only discovered the next day. He had four prior traffic convictions. Judge Melanie Greally noted the firearm's lethal potential and the substantial ammunition, but also considered White's remorse, cooperation, limited offending history, supportive family, stable relationship, and successful rehabilitation efforts. The court accepted that the incident was a finite episode linked to a severe cocaine addiction. The suspended portion of the sentence is subject to probation supervision and other strict conditions. The case was heard at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: 'Deep and dark' cocaine addiction saw man stash submachine gun. Charges or matters: possession of the gun and ammunition at his home on April 24, 2019. Procedural stage: sentence

When:

Case subjects

Anthony White

Defendant

Charges: possession of the gun and ammunition at his home on April 24, 2019 (Admitted)

Plea: Guilty

Outcome: She said she accepted that White had the capacity for a pro-social life into the future but the nature of the items left her with little option but a custodial sentence. Judge Greally imposed a five year sentence and suspended the final two years on strict conditions including, that White engage in probation supervision.; Judge Melanie Greally had adjourned the case last March having heard the evidence.

Places mentioned

Residence
Court Venue
  • Dublin
  • Dublin Circuit Criminal Court
Garda Station
  • White came to the garda station

Topics

Drugs Stage Sentence Violent Crime

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