MAN SPOTTED HANDING OVER LOADED GUN

A 25-YEAR-OLD man seen handing over a loaded handgun to a taxi driver and later intercepted by gardai in a car with other men wearing rubber gloves and carrying burner phones is “deeply ashamed” of his actions, the Special Criminal Court has heard.

Ryan Kelly (25) of Captain’s Road, Crumlin, Dublin 12 was under surveillance as part of an investigation by the Garda National Drugs and Organised Crime Bureau.

Kelly has admitted to having in his possession a firearm, to wit a .38” special calibre Smith & Wesson make revolver, not for a lawful purpose at Captain’s Road on November 23, 2021.

Kelly has also pleaded guilty to having in his possession five rounds of .38 special calibre ammunition.

Kelly is also charged that he did on the same date within the State, with knowledge of the existence of a criminal organisation, participate in, or contribute to, activity intending to facilitate the commission of a serious offence.

Anne-Marie Lawlor SC, for the DPP, previously told the court of a decision not to proceed with the prosecution will be entered by the State regarding the final charge in due course.

Maximum

Kelly’s co-accused, Anthony Walker (52), with an address at Marrowbone Lane, Dublin 8 had his sentence hearing adjourned yesterday until May 7.

Walker has pleaded guilty to possessing a .38 special calibre Smith & Wesson revolver at Tallaght Road, Templeogue, Dublin 6W, also on November 23, 2021.

The ammunition charge against Walker on the same occasion remains live.

The prosecutor told the court that the maximum sentence for such an offence is 14 years in prison.

The court heard that Kelly has nine previous convictions which mostly include public order offences and road traffic matters.

Kelly had been released on bail. Mr Justice Paul Burns remanded him in custody until April 22, when he will be sentenced.