Ferris backs ex IRA man’s court bid for gun licence

FORMER IRA volunteer Angelo Fusco (59) has launched an appeal against Tralee Garda Superintendent James O’Connor’s decision to deny him a licence for a shotgun.

Mr Fusco – of Knocknacaska, Kilflynn, Tralee – was accompanied to Tralee District Court last Wednesday by Kerry Sinn Féin TD Martin Ferris who was expected to act as a character witness for Mr Fusco.

Deputy Ferris is one of four potential character witnesses who are expected to be called during the course of Mr Fusco’s appeal against Supt O’Connor’s April 8, 2016 decision to deny him a licence for a Baikal shotgun.

Angelo Fusco was also accompanied in court by members of his family and by Tralee businessman Eddie Barrett.

After State Solicitor Adrian Judge told Judge James O’Connor that the case was likely to take at least two and possibly up to three hours Judge O’Connor said the case would require a special day in order for it to be heard in full.

Judge O’Connor adjourned the case to the October 25 civil sitting at Tralee District Court.

In 2014 Angelo Fusco received a Royal Pardon – as a result of the Good Friday Agreement and the Northern Irish Peace Process – for his alleged involvement in the 1980 murder of SAS Captain Richard Westmacott, who was the highest ranking SAS member to be killed in the troubles.

Mr Fusco escaped from jail in 1981 while awaiting trial for the murder.