Gardaí wait on ruling over objections to military-style weapons

January 8, 2010 by Infowars Ireland

By Sean O’Riordan
irishexaminer.com
Friday, January 08, 2010

GARDAÍ will have to wait until next Tuesday for a court decision on their objection to the licensing of high-powered military police-style weapons.

Gardaí in Cork were the first in the country to object to members of the public holding such weapons, amid fears that they could be stolen by criminal gangs.

Gardaí have already won one case following a judgment in Cork District Court on November 30 last when Judge David Riordan refused a shooting enthusiast the right to licences for six handguns.

They included two Sig Sauer semi-automatics and four Smith and Wesson revolvers.

However, gardaí have made around 50 objections to gun licence applications in the county and it is expected that the majority of shooting enthusiasts will appeal these to the courts.

The second contested case was heard by Judge Michael Pattwell in north Cork last Tuesday.

He sat through a marathon nine-hour session during which he heard arguments from both the gardaí and the gun enthusiast’s solicitor.

Judge Pattwell said he would make his decision known next Tuesday.

He also put a number of restrictions on press reporting. These included not identifying the holder of the firearms.

Gardaí have said they regard the gun enthusiasts as being of good character, but are concerned that criminals will try and steal their weapons. Legislation was introduced on August 1 last which was aimed at tightening up the law on firearms. Read more…