Two years for trying to hide gun
A MAN has been sentenced to two years in jail after he tried to hide a powerful firearm brought to a house party the night before gardai raided the property.
David Nolan (44) with addresses at 51 Ashe Avenue, John Carew Park, Southill and Steamboat Quay, Limerick, was caught in possession of a 9mm glock semi-automatic pistol and 10 rounds of 9mm Luger and howitzer ammunition at 78 Star Court, John Carew Park on November 7, 2005.
He pleaded guilty to the two offences and appeared before Judge Carroll Moran at Limerick Circuit Criminal Court yesterday. Judge Moran imposed a sentence of two years, to begin on January 2, 2008.
On the date in question, gardai entered the house and found the magazine clip in the hot press and the pistol in a refuse bag. Forensic testing showed Mr Nolan had handled the weapon. Det Gda Mark Deasy told the court it had been brought in during a house party the night before it was found, but that the defendant did not bring the weapon in.
"The possession of guns and ammunition in the present climate has to be treated by the courts in a very severe manner. To do otherwise would frustrate the wishes of the public and the Oireachtas," Judge Moran said.
