Courts / Dublin / Report
"Career criminals" caught with loaded handguns jailed for total of 22 years
Summary
Two men, Anthony Callaghan (45) and Paul Zambra (39), were arrested in Coolock after a three‑day surveillance operation by specialist gardaí. They were found with a Ruger revolver and a semi‑automatic pistol, both loaded and ready for use, and a full petrol can. Callaghan, from Millrace Road, Phoenix Park Racecourse, and Zambra, from Inagh Road, Ballyfermot, pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to possession of firearms with intent to endanger life. Judge Melanie Greally described the evidence as overwhelming and noted the men's histories of violent crime. Callaghan was sentenced to 12 years' imprisonment and Zambra to 10 years. The sentences reflect the court's view that the weapons posed a considerable danger to life. The operation was carried out by the Drugs and Organised Crime Unit over several days, with vehicles seized and CCTV used to identify the suspects. The men were removed from society for the duration of their sentences.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: "Career criminals" caught with loaded handguns jailed for total of 22 years. Charges or matters: possession of a Ruger Revolver and semi-automatic pistol with intent to endanger life at Clonshaugh Avenue, Coolock on May 29, 2015. Procedural stage: sentence
When:
- May 29, 2015 Incident
- 2016-03-16 Publication
Case subjects
Defendant
Charges: possession of a Ruger Revolver and semi-automatic pistol with intent to endanger life at Clonshaugh Avenue, Coolock on May 29, 2015 (Admitted)
Plea: Guilty
Outcome: She said Zambra was a man with "a history of violent crime" and that Callaghan has previously been jailed for firearm offences connected with a robbery. Judge Greally sentenced Callaghan to 12 years in prison and Zambra to 10 years after commenting that there was "a significant public interest in deterring firearm offences".
Defendant
Charges: possession of a Ruger Revolver and semi-automatic pistol with intent to endanger life at Clonshaugh Avenue, Coolock on May 29, 2015 (Admitted)
Plea: Guilty
Outcome: She said Zambra was a man with "a history of violent crime" and that Callaghan has previously been jailed for firearm offences connected with a robbery. Judge Greally sentenced Callaghan to 12 years in prison and Zambra to 10 years after commenting that there was "a significant public interest in deterring firearm offences".
Places mentioned
- Dublin
- Dublin Circuit Criminal Court
- Clonshaugh Avenue
- Riverside Estate
- Clonshaugh Road
- Clonshaugh Crescent
- BMW estate
- Clonshaugh Avenue
Topics
Drugs Stage Sentence Violent Crime
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