Courts / Kerry / Report
'Not a potential killer or hitman': man jailed for conspiracy to buy handgun
Summary
David Hackman, 24, was jailed for four and a half years after pleading guilty to conspiracy to purchase a firearm in suspicious circumstances between 31 March and 28 May 2019. Gardaí observed a silver Ford Focus near a Spar in Waterville, Dublin 15, where Hackman and three other occupants, including his mother, were found. A search revealed a 9mm firearm, orange latex gloves, and evidence of a €4,000 cash transaction between Hackman and his mother. Hackman's mother was charged but the case against her was dropped following his guilty plea. Hackman has prior convictions for assault and drug possession. The court noted his youth, addiction issues, and the mitigating circumstances of his background, and rejected a post‑release drug treatment condition. The sentence reflects the offence's mid‑range sentencing guidelines of seven to ten years.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: 'Not a potential killer or hitman': man jailed for conspiracy to buy handgun. Charges or matters: a count of conspiracy to commit a serious offence, namely the possession of a firearm in suspicious circumstances contrary to section 27a of the Firearms Act on dates between March 31, 2019 and May 28, 2019. Procedural stage: sentence
When:
- March 31, 2019 Incident
- May 28, 2019 Incident
- May 2019 Other
- May 27, 2019 Incident
- 2024-02-27 Publication
Case subjects
Defendant
Charges: a count of conspiracy to commit a serious offence, namely the possession of a firearm in suspicious circumstances contrary to section 27a of the Firearms Act on dates between March 31, 2019 and May 28, 2019 (Admitted)
Plea: Guilty
Outcome: Imposing a four and a half year sentence, Judge Martin Nolan said today that although the courts are always hopeful of rehabilitation, Hackman man must be imprisoned. Setting a headline sentence of eight years, the judge said the mitigation included Hackman's guilty plea and his youth.
Places mentioned
- were taken to Blanchardstown Garda Station
- Blanchardstown
- Dublin
- Dublin Circuit Criminal Court
- Kilgarron Park
- Enniskerry
- Wicklow
- Public Prosecutions' view
Topics
Drugs Stage Sentence Violent Crime
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