Judge’s fears over the escalation of knife crime

DISTRICT Court Judge Kevin Kilrane has expressed his concern about the escalation of knife crime.

He made the comments at Sligo District Court last Thursday where he remanded a young man in custody who had pulled a knife on a doorman after he was refused entry to a pub.

The Judge had also dealt with the case of a man who had produced a knife in a pub and was found to carrying other weapons when searched.

“The increase in knife crime is very worrying,” he said.

He stated he was watching a programme on television recently which showed the extent of knife crime in London and he was it was frightening and was out of control.

“It’s important that cancer is not imported into this jurisdiction,” he said.

Before the court was Brian Reynolds (37) of 36-year-old Brian Reynolds of Drumiskabole, Carraroe who was charged with having two flick-knives, a hatchet, two pairs of Leatherman multi-tools with blades and a red-handled knife at Stephen Street car park last February 7 th 2017.

Reynolds was also charged with having a red-handled knife in The Snug bar in Stephen Street car park on the same occasion and saying to a barman “I’m going to end you” after which he proceeded to take out a red-handled knife.

The case had been adjourned from a previous sitting and Inspector Donal Sweeney outlined to the court the incident.

He said Gardaí had received a number of 999 calls around 6.40pm on February 7 th about a man having a knife at the Snug Bar which he had produced to a number of patrons in the toilet area. He also did the same to staff.

When Gardaí arrived they found two flick knives in the defendant’s pocket and a hatchet in his bag. He told Gardaí he needed them for his own protection and made reference to the CIA and the Israelis.

Mr Gerard McGovern, solicitor (defending) pleaded that the defendant hadn’t been the proper medication at the time for his condition.

He was now and was doing extremely well and was in good form. The incident was totally out of character.

The Inspector added that the defendant had received a 16 month suspended sentence for assault causing harm from the Circuit Court in Dublin in 2017.

Mr McGovern pleaded that the matter had arisen around the same time. He had an illness which hadn’t been properly dealt with.

The defendant’s mother, Rita Reynolds told the court the defendant had been doing extremely well since. His medication had been sorted and he was a pleasure to be around. Her son had lost his career but was living at home and was taking his medication.

The defendant stated that in relation to the incident in Dublin he had been going through a psychosis and a Garda was ‘nicked’ when he tried to take a knife from his hand.

Judge Kilrane said Reynolds had a propensity to carry knives and this was a major worry. He was however impressed by the evidence of the defendant’s mother and he was prepared to reluctantly go along with the recommendation of the probation services that he be placed under a 12 month supervision order.

The Judge said he had been reassured by the defendant’s mother. He told the defendant he must take his medication and desist from carrying any weapons, knives or otherwise.

The Judge thanked the probation officer, Ms Boyle for what eh described as the very helpful and detailed reports in the case.

At the same court, Oran McMorrow (18) of 17 Collery Drive, Cranmore was remanded in custody to a special sitting of the court yesterday (Monday) for sentencing after he admitted a charge of possession of a knife at The Brewery on May 3rd 2017 at 11.05pm.

The defendant pulled the knife on a doorman after being refused entry because he was intoxicated.

Gardaí were called and the defendant was observed standing on the flick knife he had used.

The defendant didn’t have an previous convictions and was intoxicated at the time, pleaded defending solicitor, Mr Eddie Henry.

He said the knife, a picture of which was handed in to court by Inspector Donal Sweeney, was the length of a biro.

The defendant, he added, deeply regretted the incident.

Judge Kilrane asked the defendant why he had pulled the knife on the doorman and he replied that he was drunk and added|: “He wouldn’t let me in.” McMorrow said he wouldn’t have used the knife.

“Did the doorman know that you were not going to use it?” asked the Judge.

He said the doorman was properly carrying out his duties and rightly refused entry to the defendant.

“It’s lucky this defendant has been detected at this young age,” said the Judge who added that he wished to fully consider sentencing in the matter and remanded McMorrow in custody to a special sitting of the court at midday yesterday (Monday).

Mr Henry pleaded that the defendant did not like his few days in prison and did not wish to return.

Judge Kilrane fined the defendant €300. He said knife crime was creeping into this country and was already gaining negative traction in Galway.