Ukrainian man charged over offensive weapons found at Wicklow address
The Wicklow PeopleA Ukrainian national has appeared before Bray District Court charged in connection with the alleged possession of multiple offensive weapons
Taras Melnyk (27), with an address at Loretto Convent, Vevay Road, is accused of being in possession of the items in Bray on September 4, 2025.
Melnyk is accused of having a knuckle duster, allegedly intended for causing injury, without lawful authority or reasonable excuse, contrary to Section 9(4) of the Firearms and Offensive Weapons Act 1990.
Mr Melnyk is also charged with possessing a canister of pepper spray made for incapacitating a person, and an extendable baton also designed to cause injury or incapacitate, both without lawful authority, under the same section of the Act.
In addition, he is charged with having a knife that had a blade or was sharply pointed, contrary to Sections 9(1) and 9(7) of the Firearms and Offensive Weapons Act 1990.
Solicitor for Melnyk, Mr Michael O’Connor, told the court that his client is a Ukrainian national and will require an interpreter to be present for any future court dates. Judge David Kennedy granted the request and directed that disclosure be made available to Mr O’Connor. Legal aid was granted to Michael O'Connor Solicitors Bray.
Sergeant Anthony Flynn informed the court that a file has been sent to the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), who will decide whether the case is to proceed on indictment.
Judge Kennedy adjourned the matter to allow time for the DPP’s directions. Mr Melnyk is due to appear again before Bray District Court on January 19, 2025.