Balaclava and pepper spray in man’s rucksack

“HE was on a mission, and it involved illegality.”

They are the words of Judge Kevin Kilrane after hearing a 20-year-old man had a balaclava and pepper spray in his possession when stopped by gardaí.

Aidan O’Keefe of Devins Drive, Cranmore was before Sligo District Court where he pleaded guilty to possession of pepper spray.

The court was told on February 23rd, 2019 at 12.20am O’Keefe and another man were cycling on Chapel Hill and were acting suspiciously. They were searched by Gardaí and they had cooperated fully.

O’Keefe had a rucksack in his possession which was searched by gardaí.

The court heard O’Keefe had pepper spray. a balaclava, matches and petrol in the rucksack.

O’Keefe was 18 at the time and the other man also had a container of spray in his possession, however this did not contain any noxious ingredient.

Solicitor for O’Keefe, Mr Tom MacSharry told the judge his client had moved to ‘improve his lot’ and was working full time in security for a multi national company and had changed his circle of friends.

O’Keefe told Judge Kilrane he lived with his mother and three younger brothers.

“He was out with a balaclava and pepper spray in his pocket, he was on a mission and it involved illegality. I view it very seriously,” said Judge Kilrane.

Mr MacSharry told the judge his client was looking for mercy.

When asked by Judge Kilrane why he was involved in this ‘ nefarious activity’, O’Keefe said he was in the wrong circle of friends and was not getting along with certain people.

Asked what he would do in his own job if someone arrived wearing a balaclava and had pepper spray, the 20 year old said he would refuse them entry and contact gardaí.

Sergeant Derek Butler said the man had moved on from the circle of friends and had completed work experience.

Judge Kilrane adjourned the matter to June 17 th 2021 and instructed that O’Keefe was to join a charitable organisation and complete four hours of voluntary work each week until the next court date and to also have €500 in court on that date.

In an unrelated matter, a man who has turned his back on drug use has been fined €200 for possession of cannabis.

On August 22nd, 2019 at a house in Oakfield Park where Ian Coogan of the same address was present, members of the Divisional Drugs Unit conducted a search.

Cannabis herb worth €600 was found and Coogan took responsibility for it.

The court was told Coogan had bought in bulk as it was cheaper, and solicitor, Mr Tom MacSharry said he has since realised the dangers of drug use.