Judge gives state one ‘last chance’ to proceed with case against Louth man facing gun charge

By Francis Carroll, The Drogheda Independent

A judge has given the prosecution a “last chance” to obtain DPP directions in a case of alleged gun and ammunition offences.

Tommy Leddy (34), Moneymore, Drogheda, who appeared via video link, is accused of unauthorised possession of an unbranded 9mm Luger calibre semi-automatic pistol and unauthorised possession of 10 rounds of 9mm Luger calibre ammunition, at Moneymore, on March 4 last.

He is in custody with consent to High Court bail.

Barrister Niall Mackin said that the matter had been marked peremptory against the State the last day.

As directions were still not available, he asked that the charges be struck out.

Court presenter Sgt John O’Hehir said that Forensic Science Ireland (FSI) reports on DNA and fingerprinting were not available, hence no file had gone to the DPP.

Mr Mackin said that his client was 201 days in custody, a substantial amount of time.

Judge Mark O’Connell said he would grant a short adjournment of one week.

Sgt O’Hehir replied he couldn’t guarantee that he would have directions in that time.

Mr Leddy was remanded in custody with consent to High Court bail to be produced at Dundalk Court on October 1.

“I won’t be dealing with it. This is the last chance. Peremptory means peremptory,” Judge O’Connell said.