Paul Zambra sentencing adjourned over handgun possession

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

Judge Melanie Greally adjourned Paul Zambra’s sentencing at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court until the following Wednesday. The proceedings were reported on 11 March 2016.

Paul Zambra pleaded guilty to possessing a Ruger revolver and a semi-automatic pistol with intent to endanger life. He also admitted driving without insurance. The offences occurred at Clonshaugh Avenue, Coolock, on 29 May 2015.

Anthony Callaghan also admitted the firearms offence. Both men faced a possible life sentence. Anthony Callaghan’s previous firearms conviction meant a mandatory minimum of 10 years applied to him; the court could depart from that minimum for Paul Zambra.

Detective Garda Glen Somers told prosecutor Vincent Heneghan that confidential information had prompted surveillance of vehicles driven by the men. The report said Anthony Callaghan drove a van carrying Paul Zambra, who was dropped off near a BMW and then drove it onto Clonshaugh Avenue.

Gardaí stopped both vehicles and recovered petrol and the firearms from the BMW. The pistol’s safety catch was disengaged and a silencer was fitted. The revolver contained five rounds, and its identifying serial numbers had been drilled away.

Sean Guerin, representing Anthony Callaghan, distinguished intent to endanger life from intent to kill and sought credit for an early guilty plea. Detective Garda Glen Somers accepted that Anthony Callaghan was travelling away from Riverside when stopped and was not suspected in any other outstanding matters.

Michael O’Higgins, representing Paul Zambra, said his client had one child and was separated from his partner. He described Paul Zambra’s positive conduct in custody and asked the judge to recognise his prompt guilty plea.