Man who had imitation firearm ‘came close to going to prison’

A 20-year-old man, with no previous convictions, pleaded guilty to having an imitation firearm at a sitting of Arklow District Court.

Matag Lukosevicius, 50 Main Street, Arklow was charged with the possession of a realistic imitation firearm in a public place on the Dublin Road, Arklow, on June 20, 2018.

The court was told that on the date in question, gardai received a report of suspicious activity on the Dublin Road at 8.20 p.m. Four males were sitting in a car and there was a strong smell of cannabis. The car was searched and a airshot gun, which has heavy and handgun sized, was found.

The defendant said he believed it was not illegal to have this and he had bought it for €100. The weapon was seized and photo evidence and a ballistic report were presented to the court.

Solicitor Padraig Hyland said Lukosevicius apologised. He was originally from Lithuania and had been living in Ireland for 13 years. Mr Hyland said it was a foolish and ‘poorly judged show of bravado’.

The defendant does not use drugs and is training to be panel beater, Mr Hyland said. He bought the airshot gun at a local shop and had been using it to ‘mess around’ and fire plastic pellets at cans. He believed it was legal, however, he was not making excuses for his behaviour and had made a full admission when questioned by the gardai.

Judge David Kennedy said this was a realistic looking firearm that would have been frightening to another person. He imposed a fine of €750 with three months to pay.

Mr Hyland asked if the court would consider extending the time to pay. Judge Kennedy refused, saying the defendant could get a loan and had to realise the ‘seriousness of how close he came to going to prison.’