Hi °C | Lo °C A FIRE-FIGHTER, who was acquitted of threatening to shoot a colleague in the head during a row, has launched legal bid to be let have licences for four firearms.
Karl Finlay (36) of Oldbawn Way, Tallaght, had denied threatening to kill Derek Dowling at Donnybrook Fire Station, Donnybrook, Dublin on April 5, 2011. Last October, a jury at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court found him not guilty of the charge.
The two men had been working together in the kitchen of the fire station when there was a row about which radio station to listen to.
The fire-fighter has now brought an appeal to Dublin District Court against a revocation of his licences in relation to two guns and refusal of permission for licences for two more firearms, by Garda Chief Superintendent John Mangan and Superintendent Peter Duff, of Tallaght station.
David Hegarty BL, for Mr Finlay argued today that evidence from the Circuit Court trial, in which his client was acquitted, should not be adduced by the State.
In reply, counsel for the State, Fintan Valentine told Judge Timothy Lucey that he must decide whether or not Mr Finlay meets the criteria to carry or use a firearm without being a danger to public safety.
Mr Valentine argued that the court needed to hear the evidence.
Ruling on the preliminary issue, Judge Lucey said that Mr Finlay had to demonstrate that he was of good character in order to be allowed have a gun licence. The appeal should not be fettered in any way and the allegations may be admitted, Judge Lucey found.
The case will be listed again for mention in the court on March 19 when a date for the full appeal will be set.
A psychiatrist has made a recommendation that Mr Finlay should be let have the four firearms, Judge Lucey was told. She is to be called to give evidence for Mr Finlay, who did not address the court yesterday
