Man had shotgun cartridges wrapped up

A father of five who pleaded guilty to having shotgun cartridges wrapped up in a scooter he had just bought, has been warned he faces going to jail for nine months.

James Curtis (30), Mornington Manor Crescent, Mornington, admitted an offence under Section 27 of the Firearms Act.

The court heard he has 10 previous convictions, the most recent in November, 2014, for two counts of possession of drugs and possession of a knife for which he received 90 hours community service.

Sgt Ray Brady said all the convictions were for similar offences. He had the drugs for his own use.

Detective Garda O’Rourke gave evidence Curtis’ house at Mornington Manor Crescent was searched under a drugs’ warrant on 6 February, 2016, and shotgun cartridges were recovered.

Solicitor Patricia Holohan added the cartridges were wrapped up in a bike her client had just bought. There was no gun.

The defendant has a strong drugs addiction which he is trying to kick.

He has five children, is not working and is in receipt of social welfare, the solicitor added.

Judge Coughlan initially imposed a ninemonth sentence before letting the matter stand for bail in the event of an appeal to be finalised.

When the case was recalled, Ms. Holohan asked the judge to reconsider his ruling.

Det. Gda. O’Rourke said Curtis had not come to the attention of gardaí since this incident.

Judge Coughlan said he would instead adjourn the case to 25 June, 2019, for a probation report ‘all thanks to the guard’.

However, he warned Curtis if there is any trouble in the meantime, he would go to jail for nine months.