Courts / Dublin / Report
Pair found guilty of firearms offences
Summary
Two Dublin men, Michael Finlay (36) and Dean Byrne (24), were found guilty by the Special Criminal Court of possessing a 9mm semi‑automatic pistol, a fully‑loaded magazine, and various rounds of 9mm ammunition at Glenshane Crescent, Tallaght, on 5 June 2014. Both pleaded not guilty to the unlawful possession charges. The court heard evidence from the Special Detective Unit, including a briefing that Detective Superintendent Tom Maguire had received confidential information about IRA activity involving a stolen Renault Kangoo van with false registration plates that day. Detective Sergeant Finnegan observed the van, saw Byrne in the driver's seat and Finlay in the rear, both wearing disguises. Finlay appeared to hold a firearm; he dropped it after the detective's order. A pistol and magazine were found on the van's floor, plus loose ammunition in a black hold‑all bag.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Pair found guilty of firearms offences. 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: sentence
When:
- June 5th, 2014 Incident
- July 1st Adjournment
- 2016-06-16 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
Outcome: Mr Justice Paul Butler, presiding with Judge Alison Lindsay and Judge Flann Brennan, remanded Byrne on continuing bail and Finlay in custody until July 1st, when the men will be sentenced.; Mr Justice Paul Butler, presiding with Judge Alison Lindsay and Judge Flann Brennan, remanded Byrne on continuing bail and Finlay in custody until July 1st, when the men will be sentenced.
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
Outcome: Mr Justice Paul Butler, presiding with Judge Alison Lindsay and Judge Flann Brennan, remanded Byrne on continuing bail and Finlay in custody until July 1st, when the men will be sentenced.; Mr Justice Paul Butler, presiding with Judge Alison Lindsay and Judge Flann Brennan, remanded Byrne on continuing bail and Finlay in custody until July 1st, when the men will be sentenced.
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