Courts / Dublin / Report
Firearms dealer avoids jail for illegally importing gun components
Summary
Damien Graham, a 53-year-old firearms dealer from Co Carlow, was sentenced at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court after pleading guilty to four firearm offences. The court heard that Graham arrived at Dublin Airport on November 28, 2021, with 15 firearm components in his suitcase following a trip to a Florida gun show. He admitted to possessing and importing a prohibited machine gun bolt, as well as possessing and importing an assault rifle conversion kit without the required certificate. Prosecution evidence indicated Graham concealed the items in bubble wrap and duct tape, initially claiming they were tools before acknowledging they were firearm parts. Judge Martin Nolan accepted there was no sinister motive, describing Graham as an enthusiast whose enthusiasm got the better of him. However, the judge noted that machine gun parts have been illegal in Ireland for generations and criticized the reckless nature of surreptitiously bringing such components into the country. Graham has one previous conviction for a road traffic offence. The judge determined that Graham did not deserve a custodial sentence and handed down a six-month term, which was suspended on a number of conditions.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Firearms dealer avoids jail for illegally importing gun components. Charges or matters: four firearm offences at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court today; possessing a prohibited machine gun bolt and importing it at Dublin Airport on November 28, 2021; possessing an assault rifle conversion kit without a certificate and importing it without a certificate. Procedural stage: sentence
When:
- November 2021 Incident
- November 28, 2021 Incident
- 2023-06-30 Publication
Why: Sentencing Graham, Judge Nolan accepted there was no sinister motive involved and that Graham was "a gun enthusiast who just wanted to buy this particular item". CNI source report
Case subjects
Defendant
Charges: four firearm offences at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court today; possessing a prohibited machine gun bolt and importing it at Dublin Airport on November 28, 2021; possessing an assault rifle conversion kit without a certificate and importing it without a certificate (Admitted)
Plea: Guilty
Outcome: Photo: Collins) By Isabel Hayes A gun enthusiast and firearms dealer who illegally imported a machine gun component into the State after attending a Florida gun show has been given a suspended six month sentence. The judge said he did not believe Graham deserved a custodial sentence and he handed down a six month sentence which he suspended on a number of conditions.
Places mentioned
Topics
Road Traffic Stage Sentence Violent Crime
Related court reports
- Man charged with having 56k child abuse images and videos remanded on bail
- Ex-Dáil hopeful's allegations against former employer 'complete fantasy', WRC told
- Mater must pay €10k to worker who said he was wrongly accused of abusing patient
- 'I think we know I won't be getting bail' - Daniel Kinahan charged with directing criminal organisation
- Letting agent who claimed alleged domestic violence victim abandoned tenancy by fleeing to refuge must pay €14.7k
- 77-year-old with 470 convictions told Luas staff to 'f**k off'
If a fact, identity, locality or legal outcome needs review, email the newsroom with this report's details prefilled.
Email a correction request