Limerick man charged over ‘live’ gun was detected on scrambler by gardai

A LIMERICK man has been charged in connection with a firearm seized by gardai in Limerick city, at a special court sitting this Sunday.

Craig O’Donnell, aged 27, of O’Malley Park, Southill, Limerick is charged with the possession of a converted 9mm semi automatic pistol and possession of 9mm calibre ammunition at Bishop Street, Limerick city on Thursday, June 27 in suspicious circumstances.

Garda Stephen McEntegart gave evidence of arrest, charge and cautioning the accused.

“He made no reply to the charges after caution,” said Garda McEntegart.

Inspector Liz Kennedy, prosecuting, said the State was objecting to bail. Barrister Liam Carroll, instructed by Darach McCarthy, solicitor, who represented Mr O’Donnell, applied for bail on behalf of his client.

Garda McEntegart said he was on patrol at the Island Road, Limerick city on Thursday, June 27 at 11.38pm.

“I observed a male on an electric scrambler wearing a balaclava with his hood up and wearing red and black gloves. I attempted to stop him. He abandoned the bike and fled on foot.

“After a short foot chase I arrested him on Bishop Street. He attempted to discard a carrier bag which contained what I believed to be a firearm. I contacted the Armed Support Unit who confirmed it was live,” alleged Garda McEntegart.

The garda said he was objecting to bail due to the nature and the strength of the evidence and seriousness of the charges. Garda McEntegart alleged that Mr O’Donnell was wearing a surgical glove over one of the gloves which shows he is “forensically aware”.

“If granted bail it is my belief the accused will commit further serious offences,” said Garda McEntegart.

Mr Carroll put it to the garda that it was not an intelligence led operation and there is no evidence prior to the arrest.

The garda agreed.

Mr Carroll said it was an area of Limerick city where young people may be asked to move things.

“I can’t say,” said Garda McEntegart.

Mr Carroll said there were no admissions made during garda interviews, no fingerprints, no DNA evidence and no evidence that Mr O’Donnell knew what was in the contents of the bag.

“He is entitled to the presumption of innocence,” said Mr Carroll.

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Garda McEntegart alleged there was a live round in the chamber and “seven more rounds in the magazine”.

Insp Kennedy said the State has “grave concerns” if Mr O’Donnell is granted bail.

Judge Alec Gabbett said Mr O’Donnell is innocent until proven guilty.

The judge said based on the evidence he is “satisfied to refuse bail based on the evidence, the seriousness of the charges and to prevent further serious offences”.

Mr O’Donnell was remanded in custody to appear at Limerick District Court on Tuesday via video-line for DPP’s directions.

Mr O’Donnell, who was wearing a black sweatshirt and black tracksuit bottoms, covered his face as he was being led into a garda van.