Courts / Meath / Report

Carrying knives 'extremely serious', judge says as man (23) convicted

Summary

Emmanuel Ilunga, 23, of Navan, was convicted at Dún Laoghaire District Court for carrying a flick knife in his car on 14 April 2024. Ilunga admitted possession but claimed the knife was for his warehouse job, where he cut boxes and plastic. Garda David Buckley stopped him at 12:30 am in a grey Mercedes at M50 Junction 13. Ilunga appeared nervous, avoided eye contact and struggled to answer questions. A search under the Misuse of Drugs Act found the knife in the driver's side door and a wheel brace; no drugs were discovered. The judge, Anne Watkin, rejected Ilunga's work‑use defence, warned that carrying knives is "extremely serious", and imposed a €300 fine with a three‑month payment period, plus a €200 own‑bond recognisance. The case was prosecuted by Dr Sean Smyth for the DPP. Emmanuel Ilunga pleaded not guilty.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Carrying knives 'extremely serious', judge says as man (23) convicted. Charges or matters: a charge under the Firearms and Offensive Weapons Act. Procedural stage: hearing_or_decision

When:

• 14 April 2024 Hearing Or Sentence
• 2025-09-25 Publication

Why: 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. Court evidence reported by CNI

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Drugs Stage Hearing Or Decision

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Read the original CNI report