Courts / Dublin / Report
Former Sinn Fein Councillor charged with firearms offences at special court sitting
Summary
In an out‑of‑hours sitting of the Special Criminal Court on 24 May 2016, former Sinn Féin councillor Jonathan Dowdall, aged 37, and his father Patrick Dowdall, aged 59, were charged with firearms offences. Both men were arrested by the Special Detective Unit and accused of possessing a sawn‑off shotgun and a .44 calibre magnum revolver, allegedly intended to facilitate the false imprisonment of Alexander Hurley at their home on 15 January 2015. Jonathan Dowdall was arrested in Clontarf, Dublin 3, while Patrick Dowdall was taken into custody outside Swords Garda Station, Co. Dublin. Neither man applied for bail at the time of arrest. Their barristers, Mr Derek Cooney BL for Jonathan and Ms Annemarie Lawlor BL for Patrick, noted that the DPP had no objection to legal aid and requested that the warrant reflect the men's prescribed medication.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Former Sinn Fein Councillor charged with firearms offences at special court sitting. Charges or matters: possession of a sawn off shotgun and a .44 calibre magnum revolver with intent to commit false imprisonment. Procedural stage: sentence
When:
- January 15, 2015 Incident
- May 27 Adjournment
- 2016-05-24 Publication
Why: He said he explained to Mr Dowdall the reason for his arrest in ordinary language and cautioned him. CNI source report
Case subjects
Accused
Charges: possession of a sawn off shotgun and a .44 calibre magnum revolver with intent to commit false imprisonment (Alleged Or Contested)
Outcome: remanded in custody to Portlaoise Prison until Friday morning, May 27
Accused
Charges: possession of a sawn off shotgun and a .44 calibre magnum revolver with intent to commit false imprisonment (Alleged Or Contested)
Outcome: remanded in custody to Portlaoise Prison until Friday morning, May 27
Places mentioned
- Special Criminal Court
- Mr Dowdall at Clontarf Garda Station
- outside Swords Garda Station
- Swords
- Portlaoise
- Portlaoise Prison
Topics
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