Brothers Glen Ward and Eric O’Driscoll withdraw bail applications in firearms case

Glen Ward (31) and Eric O’Driscoll (22) are charged with possession of firearms and reckless discharge on dates in January 2022 in the Finglas area of north Dublin.

One charge alleges that Mr O’Driscoll was in possession of a military submachine gun.

They were due to apply for bail this afternoon at the three-judge, non-jury Special Criminal Court, but lawyers for both men said they wanted to withdraw those applications.

Mr Justice Tony Hunt said he would give the accused men and their legal teams “time to think about what you want to do”. He said a trial date is available in November “if you want one” and gave them until later this month to update the court.

Mr Ward, who has an address in Finglas, is charged that on January 1, 2022 at Ratoath Drive in Finglas he had in his possession or control a .223 Remington AR-15 semi-automatic rifle in circumstances as to give rise to a reasonable inference that he did not have it for a lawful purpose.

He is also charged that on the same date and at the same location he discharged a firearm, being reckless as to whether any person would be injured.

Mr O’Driscoll, also of Finglas, faces two charges identical to those against Mr Ward plus three further charges.

Two relate to the alleged possession of a .223 Remington AR-15 semi-automatic rifle at Ratoath Drive on January 9, 2022.

Another alleges that on the same date he had in his possession or under his control a .380 ACP calibre military armament corporation make Ingram M11 submachine gun in circumstances giving rise to the reasonable inference that he did not have it for a lawful purpose.

The alleged offences are contrary to the Firearms and Offensive Weapons Act 1990 and the Firearms Act 1964.