Courts / Limerick / Report

Limerick man jailed for twice possessing improvised firearm has sentence increased after successful DPP appeal

Date
2015-04-24
Stage
Appeal
Primary locality
Limerick
County
Limerick

Summary

Gordon Ryan, 22, of Greenfields, Rosbrien, was convicted twice for possessing an improvised firearm in Limerick. He pleaded guilty to the first offence on 7 November 2012 and to the same offence on 23 June 2013. The first conviction carried a three‑year term with the last 12 months suspended. The second conviction was originally a three‑year term, but the Court of Appeal increased it by two years, citing undue leniency. The judge noted that Ryan was on bail for the first offence when the second offence occurred, involving the discharge of a shotgun that injured a companion. Ryan had 41 prior convictions. The Court of Appeal substituted a five‑year term for the second offence, resulting in an aggregate sentence of eight years with the final 12 months suspended. Ryan was required to bond €100 for the suspended portion.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Limerick man jailed for twice possessing improvised firearm has sentence increased after successful DPP appeal. Charges or matters: possession of an imitation firearm on November 7 2012 and to the same offence on June 23 2013 at locations in Limerick City. Procedural stage: appeal

When:

Case subjects

Gordon Ryan

Appellant

Charges: possession of an imitation firearm on November 7 2012 and to the same offence on June 23 2013 at locations in Limerick City (Admitted)

Plea: Guilty

Outcome: He was sentenced to two consecutive three-year terms of imprisonment with the final 12 months suspended by Mr Justice Carroll Moran on May 30 2014. Accordingly, the Court substituted a sentence of five years for the original three year sentence imposed on Ryan for the second offence.

Places mentioned

Secondary Mention
Court Venue
  • Limerick
  • Limerick Circuit Criminal Court
  • Court of Appeal
Incident
Residence

Topics

Stage Appeal

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