‘I wouldn't like to face it’ - Longford man fined for possession of air rifle
Judge Bernadette Owens hears defendant bought gun in the Saturday market in Longford
A Longford father has been convicted by a judge for having an air rifle in his house, despite his solicitor arguing it was a 'toy gun'.
Peter Keenan of 23 Palace Crescent, Longford pleaded guilty to unauthorised possession of a firearm on May 27, 2023.
Sergeant Mark Mahon, said Gardaí carried out a search at the defendant's house and an air powered revolver was discovered in the kitchen.
"It was tested and it was found to be a firearm under the Firearms Act."
Sgt Mahon handed in a photograph of the weapon to Judge Bernadette Owens.
"I wouldn't like to face it or be on the receiving end of it,” he added.
Mr Keenan had three previous convictions.
Solicitor Bríd Mimnagh, defending, said while her client was pleading guilty there were 'extenuating' circumstances.
"Judge, this was a toy gun effectively.
"It may not look like it in pictures but it was bought in the Saturday market here in Longford, which is a market that is open to all of the public.
"The situation is he had never actually used it and he had thrown it up in the press and there was no element that it was being used by anyone and it was certainly not being used in a manner that was in any way subversive or would cause any concern to any parties.
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"But the children were playing cowboys and indians or whatever it is nowadays and the little fellow was with him and he wanted it.
"It wasn't the focus of the search and it's called an air powered gun.
"It was unfortunate, it has one dual and I think if it is over one dual it is considered a firearm."
Ms Mimnagh said her client, a father of three children, is currently unemployed.
Judge Bernadette Owens considered the case and fined Mr Keenan €300 with nine months to pay.