Man charged and denied bail after gardaí seize grenade, guns and ammunition in Wicklow
The Wicklow PeopleA man has been refused bail after gardaí discovered firearms, ammunition and a viable hand grenade during a search of a property in west Wicklow.
The man, who cannot be named for legal reasons, appeared at a sitting of Bray District Court on Wednesday for a bail hearing, charged with two counts of possession of a firearm and one count of possession of ammunition.
The court was told that gardaí are objecting to bail under Section 2 of the Bail Act 1997.
Detective Garda Robert Whelan stated that on Monday, May 4, gardaí obtained a search warrant from Waterford District Court before searching the accused’s home in west Wicklow.
During the search, gardaí uncovered two firearms, which were identified by Garda ballistics experts as a Glock 19 pistol and a Smith & Wesson ACP semi-automatic handgun, along with a viable hand grenade, an assortment of ammunition and a suppressor, all located in a safe in the defendant’s bedroom. Multiple alleged airsoft rifles were also seized and are due to be forensically analysed.
Gardaí from Baltinglass and Bray, supported by the Armed Support Unit (ASU), carried out the search, while the Army Explosive Ordnance Disposal Service (EODS) also attended the scene after the grenade was discovered.
The court heard the defendant was brought to Bray Garda Station and questioned.
A woman in her late 20s was also arrested, but has since been released without charge. A file is to be prepared for the Director of Public Prosecutions.
Det Gda Whelan told the court that when the accused was cautioned and charged, he made no reply. He added that if convicted, the charges before the court carry a maximum sentence of 14 years imprisonment on each count.
The court was told that gardaí are objecting to bail due to the nature of the firearms, particularly the discovery of a pistol suppressor.
Gardaí also objected on the grounds that they believe the accused would engage in further criminal activity if granted bail.
During cross-examination, Sorcha Dianamh Ní Néill Fulham BL, instructed by solicitor Michael O’Connor, said her client “has the constitutional right not to self-incriminate himself”.
Ms Fulham stated that the accused is a father.
She added that the accused has the presumption of innocence, and said it was her belief that nothing in Det Gda Whelan’s objection satisfied the concern that the defendant might commit further offences.
The court was told the accused is willing to abide by any bail conditions imposed by the court.
Judge David Kennedy refused the defence application for bail and remanded the man in custody to appear before Bray District Court via video link on Monday, May 11.
A reporting restriction preventing the identification of the accused was put in place.