Meath computer engineer (26) who was shooting guns recklessly outside his home avoids a conviction
A 26-year-old man who was shooting at a target at his home has avoided a conviction when he pleaded guilty at Drogheda Court to five resultant summonses following an incident which occurred shortly before Christmas in 2023.
Luke O’Callaghan Smith, Preston, Minnistown, Laytown, Co. Meath, admitted three counts of reckless discharge of a firearm and two of unauthorised possession of firearms/ammunition at his address on December 23, 2023.
Judge Nicola Andrews applied the Probation Act after the defendant, who has no previous convictions, donated €3,000 to the court fund.
Evidence was given that three different weapons used were legally held, though two belonged to Mr O’Callaghan’s father who was unaware of what was going on.
Court presenter Sgt John O’Hehir said that following a report of gunshots, Gardaí gained entry to the house and the firearms were seized.
Alcohol had been consumed by people inside, the sergeant continued.
Solicitor Paddy Goodwin said that one of the weapons belonged to his client and two to his father who didn’t know at the time what his son was up to. The firearms had been in a gun safe.
Mr O’Callaghan Smith shot from three different weapons at a target. Mr Goodwin had pictures of the target which illustrated its distance from the road.
His client was “effectively shooting downwards”. No one was in danger, it was accepted.
Mr Goodwin continued that the defendant, a computer engineer, had €3,000 with him for the court fund to which Gardaí were agreeable.