FIREARMS OVER 100 YEARS OLD

AN ARRAY of firearms and ammunition came to light when gardaí arrived at the home of Vincent Sokolic (47) at Kilcormack in Boolavogue.

The list of guns found stored in a metal box included two revolvers, a pistol and a shotgun.

The gardaí who called about another matter entirely detained and interviewed the South African citizen as a result of the discovery.

In the District Court, Judge Brian O’Shea heard that some of the guns were more than a century old

Their owner would be happy to have them de-commissioned, the court was assured, except for an air rifle which would require Sokolic to take out a licence.

It was stated that Sokolic was married to an Irish woman and had built a house in Ireland.

The metal box was in a container which followed him from South Africa it was not intercepted by the Irish customs authorities on import.

He became aware in 2012 that they were there but he put the matter to the back of his head.

Rounds of spent ammunition which were part of the find made in December of 2017.

However, they were not fired in this country, the judge was told.

The defending barrister said that some of the guns were of sentimental value to his client.

Judge O’Shea felt it would be wrong to impose convictions as he observed: ‘ this is as close to a big mistake as it is to a crime.’

He made out formal destruction order for all of the guns except the air rifle, to allow them be de-commissioned.

The haul comprised a Llama semi-automatic pistol, a Rossi revolver, a Schermuly pistol rocket, a 6.35mm calibre FN pistol and a Taurus revolver.

The air rifle was of Weihrauch brand and Sokolic intended to use it for sporting activities.