Father and son on shotgun possession charges remanded on bail by Longford court
A barrister representing a father and son charged with unlawful possession of a sawn-off pump action shotgun and ammunition made an application for a certificate to cover his costs even though family members had put up a surety of €10,000 the previous week.
John Nevin (54), of 4 Columb Drive, Mullingar, and David Nevin (33), of 19 The Cedars, Lakepoint, Mullingar, were both charged with possession of a Winchester pump action shotgun “in circumstances that you had not got it in your possession for lawful purpose” and also of the possession of five rounds of ammunition (shotgun cartridges).
John Nevin was also charged with three counts of dangerous driving at Ashe Road, Columb Drive and Cathedral View, Mullingar, Westmeath.
At a previous hearing the court was told Gardaí were opposed to bail as it was believed that the incident was connected to an “ongoing feud between members of the Travelling community”.
Bail was set at €20,000, with €10,000 to be lodged, for each of the two men. The application for independent surety was previously heard by Judge Cronin at Longford District Court.
Counsel for the defendant, Patrick O'Sullivan BL, previously pointed out the defendant had surrendered their passports and provided Gardaí with a mobile phone number.
The initial proposed provider of an independent surety of €10,000 for each defendant, Christopher Nevin, was objected to by Sergeant Mark Mahon.
Sgt Mahon indicated that the State was strongly objecting to the surety put forward.
The matter went before two other judges, Judge Ciaran Liddy and Judge Susan Fay, before the surety issues was resolved.
At a previous week's sitting of Longford District Judge Fay approved the surety put forward by two female family members of both accused men.
At last week's sitting Sgt Mahon told the court DPP direction was still outstanding. Judge Cronin remanded each of the defendants on continuing bail to appear before Mullingar District Court on October 19.
Mr O'Sullivan made an application to Judge Cronin for a certificate for counsel to cover the bail application.
Judge Cronin said such an application would have to be made to Judge Fay and granted the barrister liberty to bring the application before Judge Fay.