Limerick taxi driver refused bail after four guns and €120k cannabis seizure
A 64-year-old Limerick man faces seven charges after gardaí seized four pistols, ammunition, and drugs worth over €120,000 from his rented accommodation. A judge refused bail citing the seriousness of the charges.
Limerick man remanded in custody after weapons and drugs found in locked bedroom
John O'Neill, aged 64, of Haymarket Cathedral Place, Limerick, has been refused bail at Limerick District Court following a significant seizure of firearms, ammunition, and suspected drugs from a residential property in the city, limerickleader.ie reports.
O'Neill appeared before Judge Patricia Harney on Thursday and is currently being held in custody. His solicitor, Cathal Quirke, made a bail application on his client's behalf.
The court heard that on Tuesday, gardaí attached to the Limerick Divisional Drugs Unit, supported by regional and local units, searched a domestic residence under warrant as part of ongoing investigations into the sale and supply of drugs in the region.
The search resulted in the seizure of four pistols, 13 rounds of ammunition, four ammunition magazines, suspected cannabis edibles valued at over €120,000, suspected cocaine valued at €3,790, and a quantity of cash. O'Neill is now facing seven charges in connection with the seizure.
His solicitor informed the court, however, that O'Neill is not charged in relation to the suspected cannabis edibles, as those items are still subject to further analysis.
Detective Garda Declan O'Halloran gave evidence of arrest, charge, and caution, to which the accused made no reply. He told the court that, in his view, O'Neill would be likely to commit further offences if granted bail. The detective added that he believes a lengthy prison sentence would be imposed should O'Neill be convicted, citing the "strength of the evidence" against him.
It was alleged that on 22 September, gardaí searched O'Neill's rented accommodation, where the items were found inside a locked bedroom. O'Neill was not present at the time of the search but was later arrested at Roxboro Road.
Gardaí contend that O'Neill was the only person with access to the locked room, and that he is believed to be involved in the distribution of controlled drugs and firearms for sale and supply. The court was also told it would be alleged that he had been in contact with a senior member of a criminal enterprise, though Judge Harney noted that O'Neill "is not charged with being a member" of any criminal organisation.
During garda interviews, O'Neill admitted to being a "regular cannabis user," the court heard.
Quirke argued that the cannabis edibles did not form part of the bail application, and characterised the detective's statements as "opinion evidence." Judge Harney acknowledged the distinction but was firm: "We have guns, that's where I am at with this."
Quirke also put to the court that O'Neill has lived in Limerick his entire life, worked as a taxi driver, has a range of health issues, and could reside with a family member outside the city if bail were granted, with a commitment to comply with any conditions imposed. "He hasn't lost his presumption of innocence," Quirke said.
Judge Harney accepted Detective Garda O'Halloran's opinion evidence and, having considered all submissions, refused bail on the grounds of the seriousness of the charges and her finding that O'Neill is "a person addicted to controlled drugs."
O'Neill was remanded in custody and is due to appear before Limerick District Court again on 29 September. DPP directions remain outstanding and a file is being prepared by investigating gardaí.
Funded by the Court Reporting Scheme.
Source: Google News IE — Crime (en)