Les Byrne jailed for six and a quarter years over pipe bombs

This report is a localnews.ie summary based on public court reporting and records; sources are listed below.

Les Byrne was sentenced to six and a quarter years in prison at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court on 4 April 2025.

Byrne pleaded guilty to having four explosive devices in his possession or under his control. The proceedings were reported on 4 April 2025.

Gardaí searched Byrne’s van at a retail park on Fonthill Road, Clondalkin, on 24 March 2024 after noticing an overwhelming smell of cannabis. Four pipe bombs were found in a bag in the van and were later examined and found to be effective.

Garda Aaron Murphy said possession of the devices was believed to be related to a feud between two organised crime groups. He said an analysis of Byrne’s phone showed he was being directed by a person serving a lengthy prison sentence.

Murphy agreed with defence counsel Michael Hourican SC that Byrne was being used to store the items. The garda agreed that messages showed Byrne became aware of what he had and immediately wanted to get rid of the devices, and that a long series of messages showed he did not want them.

Judge Martin Nolan set a 10-year headline sentence and said Byrne acted under instructions from third parties but played a vital role. The judge noted his guilty plea, co-operation and family responsibilities.