Courts / Armagh / Report
Boss of gun-running ring could face up to 14 years in prison
Summary
The Special Criminal Court heard that Mark McCourt, 34, of Edenrieve, Newry, could receive a sentence of up to 14 years for running a gun‑running ring that smuggled weapons from America to criminal organisations. McCourt had previously pleaded guilty to firearms offences and to aiding a criminal organisation in importing restricted weapons. The Director of Public Prosecutions placed him at the higher end of the sentencing scale, which carries ten to fourteen years. He is remanded in custody and the sentencing is scheduled for 3 November. A senior Garda testified that McCourt controlled a criminal organisation that imported firearms components from the USA, reassembled them into assault rifles and pistols, and distributed them to other groups. Evidence included a raid in County Louth where 82 gun parts were assembled into six rifles and a dozen pistols, and phone data showing McCourt's communications with prospective customers and his trips to Las Vegas.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Boss of gun-running ring could face up to 14 years in prison. Charges or matters: firearms offences and participating in a criminal organisation's efforts to import restricted weapons. Procedural stage: sentence
When:
- November 3 Adjournment
- 24 May 2024 Incident
- May 2023 Hearing Or Sentence
- 2025-07-31 Publication
Case subjects
Accused
Charges: firearms offences and participating in a criminal organisation's efforts to import restricted weapons (Admitted)
Plea: Guilty
Outcome: Counsel for the State, Simon Matthews BL said that the Director of Public Prosecutions had placed the offending at the higher end of the scale, which carries a sentence of ten to 14 years.; The matter has gone back to November 3 next for sentencing, with the accused remanded in custody.
Places mentioned
Topics
Related court reports
- Polish man who 'caused mayhem' at Dublin Airport has jail term halved
- Double murderer's conviction upheld, despite claim expert testimony lacked 'scientific validity'
- Migrant chef paid €1.61 an hour for 90-hour weeks in case branded 'economic slavery'
- Gun-runner who sold assault weapons to criminal gangs will have cash returned to him
- 'Ireland's top criminals, LOL': dual citizen gun runner gets 10 years
- Smuggler was vital to gang importing military-grade firearms, court hears
If a fact, identity, locality or legal outcome needs review, email the newsroom with this report's details prefilled.
Email a correction request