Courts / Laois / Report
Louth man sentenced to five years for possession of explosive
Summary
Brian Fitzpatrick, 50, of Castleross, Dundalk, was sentenced by the Special Criminal Court to five years' imprisonment, with the last two years suspended, after pleading guilty to possession of an explosive substance under suspicious circumstances. The offence was committed on 16 December at Mitchelstown Cross, Castletown, Navan, Co. Meath. Fitzpatrick pleaded guilty to one of the two counts shortly after the incident and has shown remorse. The court heard that he suffered severe psychiatric problems following a brutal assault 18 years earlier, which left him unable to work and depressed, and that he had received ongoing mental‑health treatment. He is described as a family man; his wife said she would be "lost without him" and that he had helped her after a fall. Fitzpatrick had raised funds for foreign missions and had worked with underage groups in his local GAA club. He had previously worked on boats and in factories in the UK to support his family.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Louth man sentenced to five years for possession of explosive. Charges or matters: two counts of possession of an explosive substance under suspicious circumstances on December 16 at Mitchelstown Cross, Castletown, Navan, Co; one of the charges soon after the incident and that he has shown remorse since. Procedural stage: sentence
When:
- December 16 Incident
- August 25 2015 Other
- 2015-10-29 Publication
Case subjects
Accused
Charges: two counts of possession of an explosive substance under suspicious circumstances on December 16 at Mitchelstown Cross, Castletown, Navan, Co; one of the charges soon after the incident and that he has shown remorse since (Alleged Or Contested)
Outcome: He imposed a five year sentence with the final two to be suspended on the conditions that he lodge a €500 bond and that he does not associate with any known members of criminal organisations. The sentence was backdated to August 25 2015 when Mr Fitzpatrick entered into custody.
Places mentioned
- Co. Meath. The Special Criminal Court
- Harcourt Square
Topics
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