Courts / Dublin / Report
Accused failed to account for firearm, trial hears
Summary
During the Special Criminal Court trial, evidence was presented that Michael Finlay (36) and Dean Byrne (24) were accused of unlawfully possessing a 9mm semi‑automatic pistol and ammunition at Glenshane Crescent, Tallaght, on 5 June 2014. The prosecution alleged that in June 2014 Gardaí investigating suspected IRA activity observed the pair in a stolen Renault Kangoo van, both wearing disguises, and that Finlay was seen dropping a handgun. Both men pleaded not guilty to the possession charges. In a Garda interview on 6 June 2014, Detective Sergeant Padraig Boyce questioned Finlay about the firearm, ammunition, the van, false number plates, an An Post jacket, a false beard, gloves and a black bag containing two rounds of 9mm ammunition. Finlay made no comment. Forensic evidence included diesel oil found in a bottle seized from the van, a Russian‑made pistol with its serial number obliterated, and no fingerprints on the firearm or magazine. The trial continues.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Accused failed to account for firearm, trial hears. Charges or matters: the unlawful possession of a 9mm calibre semi-automatic pistol and magazine at Glenshane Crescent, Tallaght on June 5th, 2014; the possession of various rounds of 9mm calibre semi-automatic ammunition at the same address on the same date. Procedural stage: trial
When:
- June 2014 Incident
- June 5th, 2014 Incident
- June 6th, 2014 Hearing Or Sentence
- 2016-06-08 Publication
Case subjects
Defendant
Charges: the unlawful possession of a 9mm calibre semi-automatic pistol and magazine at Glenshane Crescent, Tallaght on June 5th, 2014; the possession of various rounds of 9mm calibre semi-automatic ammunition at the same address on the same date (Alleged Or Contested)
Plea: Not guilty
Defendant
Charges: the unlawful possession of a 9mm calibre semi-automatic pistol and magazine at Glenshane Crescent, Tallaght on June 5th, 2014; the possession of various rounds of 9mm calibre semi-automatic ammunition at the same address on the same date (Alleged Or Contested)
Plea: Not guilty
Places mentioned
- The Special Criminal Court
- Maplewood Road
- Tallaght
- Drumcairn Park
- Mr Finlay at Tallaght Garda Station
- Tallaght
Topics
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