Carrying knives 'extremely serious', judge says as man (23) convicted
A man who insisted a flick knife found in his car was for work purposes has been convicted after a judge rejected his explanation, warning that carrying knives is “extremely serious”.
Emmanuel Ilunga (23), of Commons Road, Navan, Co Meath, had pleaded not guilty at Dún Laoghaire District Court to a charge under the Firearms and Offensive Weapons Act.
It was alleged that on 14 April 2024, at M50 Junction 13 northbound, Dundrum, Dublin 14, he had with him a knife contrary to section 9(1) and (7) of the 1990 Act, as amended by section 39 of the Criminal Justice (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2009.
The court heard that Ilunga admitted having the knife but maintained it was only because of his warehouse job, where he used it to cut boxes and plastic.
He was stopped by Garda David Buckley at around 12.30am in a grey Mercedes. The court heard that Ilunga appeared extremely nervous during the traffic stop, failed to make eye contact and struggled to answer simple questions.
A search under section 23 of the Misuse of Drugs Act uncovered the knife in the driver’s side door along with a wheel brace. No drugs were found.
Ilunga told the court he had been working in a warehouse in Navan for years and used the knife to cut boxes and plastic so they could be condensed for machinery.
He said he had worked earlier on the day in question and always carried the knife either in his pocket or kept it in his car. He said when he was stopped he tried to tell the garda that it was for work purposes but they wouldn’t accept this.
He added: “I’ve never even been in a fight or any altercation in my life”.
Defence counsel, Sylvia Crowley BL, argued there was a legitimate work use for the knife and there was no reason to suggest it was used to threaten anyone.
Dr Sean Smyth prosecuted for the DPP.
In convicting Ilunga, Judge Anne Watkin said that carrying knives was “extremely serious” and there was an onus on people not to have them when out socialising.
She noted Ilunga was not travelling to or from work at the time.
She imposed a €300 fine, giving him three months to pay, and ordered him to enter a €200 own-bond recognisance.