Louth man unaware of dropping kitchen knife as he gambled in casino

By Francis Carroll, The Drogheda Independent

A kitchen knife fell from a man as he gambled unaware in a local arcade, Dundalk District Court has heard.

When Aaron McCann (40) was later searched by gardai a second kitchen knife was found up his sleeve.

The defendant, of Villas 2, Muirhevnamor, Dundalk, pleaded guilty to possessing a kitchen knife in Brannigan’s Gaming and on Park Street, Dundalk, being intoxicated in public and giving a false name and address on August 5, 2025.

He also admitted having cannabis at Dundalk Garda Station on the same date.

Separately, Mr McCann pleaded guilty to theft of a bicycle outside a fast food outlet on July 28 last.

Court presenter Sgt Richie Browne said on that occasion the victim, aged under 18, left his €560 Carrera bicycle outside Burger King, Applegreen, Dundalk, and when he returned it was gone.

The accused was identified from CCTV and arrested. The bike was not recovered.

On August 5, meanwhile, a staff member in Brannigan’s spotted a knife had been dropped underneath a chair where Mr McCann was using a slot machine.

She didn’t interact with him but picked up the knife and wrapped it in a tea towel before alerting gardaí.

The defendant then appeared to notice that the knife was missing.

When gardaí approached him they saw that he was unsteady on his feet, his eyes glassy and his speech slurred. He gave the officers false details.

A search yielded another kitchen knife up his right sleeve.

At Dundalk Garda Station a small amount of cannabis herb was found on Mr McCann.

Solicitor Niall Breen said his client had turned to alcohol to cope with a family issue.

He was engaging with services and aspired to study to become a Youth Worker.

The defendant was remanded on continuing bail to June 17.