Pair on sawn-off shotgun charges approved bail by Longford court

John Joe Nevin (54), of Columb Drive, and David Nevin (32), the Cedars, Lakepoint, in Mullingar, Co Westmeath, were charged with offences under the Firearms Act for unlawful possession of the weapon and five cartridges on August 9th at Columb Drive.

Bail had initally been set for both in their own bonds of €1,000 of which €250 must be lodged by both with the court approving sureties in the sum of €20,000 with €10,000 of that to be lodged in each case.

The pair had last appeared at a sitting of Longford District Court on August 17 when concerns were raised by gardaí as to the candidacy of the prospective male surety.

Presiding Judge Patricia Cronin also stated she had represented the provider of the surety in legal proceedings prior to being appointed a judge and, in those circumstances, said it would not be appropriate for her to make a decision on the issue.

The case was put back to Harristown District Court on the following Friday where an application was turned down by Judge Ciaran Liddy.

However, when it was re-entered before Judge Susan Fay at a sitting of Longford District Court last Thursday, two female family members of both accused men were approved as independent sureities.

The case is due to return before a sitting of Longford District Court today (Thursday).