Boxing coach (49) had rifle in van

A 49-year-old boxing coach caught with an unauthorised rifle in a van he was driving, has been remanded on continuing bail for a probation report.

Edward Lawless, 83 O’Hanlon Park, pleaded guilty to a sole count of possession of a firearm not authorised by a firearms’ certificate at Point Road, Dundalk, on 13 January, 2015.

Last Wednesday’s sitting of Dundalk circuit criminal court heard the weapon, a Marlin Model 883 .22 rifle, was in ‘very reasonable’ condition. The defendant had no ammunition for the gun.

It was stated on his behalf that he was a founder-member of O’Hanlon Park Boxing Club, is a carer for his wife and has held down the same job in a local furniture company for the last 30 years. He has no previous convictions.

His counsel said Lawless, ‘in so far as it was safe for him to do so’, gave an accurate account to gardaí following his arrest.

Sgt Noel Mohan told the court that gardaí received confidential information on the accused during an ongoing operation at the time.

He was seen going to an address at 6 Waterview, Lower Point Road, in the late morning of 13 January, 2015.

They observed Lawless leave with a black bin bag which he placed in the passenger side of a Mercedes van before driving off in the direction of the town.

Gardaí stopped him, approached and advised him the van was about to be searched under Section 30 of the Offences Against The State Act.

Sgt Mohan said a .22 rifle, broken into two parts, was found in the footwell.

The defendant was cautioned. He admitted not having a firearms’ certificate. He was arrested and taken to The Crescent garda station.

The gun, 104cm in overall length, using a 12 round magazine, was brought to the Ballistics Section of the Garda Technical Bureau.

During an interview at the station, Lawless did eventually name an individual from whom he received the rifle.

Sgt Mohan said this named person wouldn’t have been someone gardaí believed would be involved in such activity, but after intelligence gathering this was found to be the case.

The rifle had been brought to have it fixed. By and large, Lawless was helpful.

Sgt Mohan added the defendant was actively engaged in O’Hanlon Park Boxing Club, training kids up to five times a week.

Barrister Jim McCullough added his client was born in Manchester and brought up in Dundalk where he has siblings. He has worked in the same job for 30 years, assembling and delivering furniture.

Mr McCullough said Lawless is a carer for his wife, and had helped establish the boxing club. He is also a boxing judge and referee.

He was conscious he had let people down. What happened was out of character.

Testimonials were handed in from his wife’s GP, the Cox’s Demesne Youth & Community Project, O’Hanlon Park Residents’ Association, Louth Boxing Board, O’Hanlon Park Boxing Club and his employer. All spoke positively for Edward Lawless, counsel continued.

Mr McCullough asked the court to consider community service.

‘ This is a very, very serious offence,’ remarked Judge Baxter. ‘It is appalling someone of such good character could get involved for whatever reason.’

She adjourned the case to 14 January, for a probation report with a view to considering community service.