Courts / Dublin / Report

Man who fired shotgun in local park claims he was suicidal

Date
2016-05-03
Stage
Hearing Or Decision
Primary locality
Dublin
County
Dublin

Summary

Patrick Duff, 49, was stopped by gardaí after firing a sawn‑off shotgun in a local park. He claimed he had taken the gun because he was suicidal, saying he had been depressed and wanted to commit suicide. Duff, wearing white latex gloves and wearing a hood, had the gun hidden in his jeans. He was aggressive towards officers, struggled with them and head‑butted one officer. He pleaded guilty to possession of a firearm on Ballyfermot Parade on 5 February 2015. The case was adjourned to 31 May after evidence was heard. Duff said he had been notified of a threat to his life in August 2014 but could not recall it. He admitted he was probably drunk at the time. The court noted the circumstances were not consistent with a credible suicide attempt and adjourned to allow further evidence and an updated probation report.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Man who fired shotgun in local park claims he was suicidal. Charges or matters: possession of a firearm on Ballyfermot Parade on February 5, 2015. Procedural stage: hearing_or_decision

When:

Why: A man who fired shots from a sawn off shotgun in his local park claimed he had organised to pick up the weapon because he had been suicidal. CNI source report

Case subjects

Patrick Duff

Defendant

Charges: possession of a firearm on Ballyfermot Parade on February 5, 2015 (Admitted)

Plea: Guilty

Outcome: His case was adjourned to May 31 next after evidence was heard.

Places mentioned

Residence
Court Venue
  • Dublin
  • Dublin Circuit Criminal Court

Topics

Firearms Stage Hearing Or Decision

Related court reports

Read the original CNI report

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