Ursula Shannon jailed for firearms possession

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

Ursula Shannon was jailed for six years by the Special Criminal Court after being found guilty of possessing firearms and ammunition. The court’s presiding judge was Mr Justice Paul Butler.

Shannon had pleaded not guilty to possessing two handguns and 32 rounds of ammunition at Tullybeg, Rahan, Co Offaly, on 27 November 2012. The listed items included Taurus and Walther pistols, a magazine, a stun gun and flashlight, and 25 and seven rounds of 9mm ammunition.

The report said the defendants had not challenged any of the evidence. It also reported that armed gardaí intercepted them outside a firearms dealer’s premises, where the court heard they were wearing wigs and disguises; the report said a stolen van contained the weapons, ammunition and other items.

Mr Justice Butler said seven years was appropriate, reduced to six years because the evidence had not been contested. The proceedings were reported on 28 February 2014.