Man appears before Cork court charged with possession of firearm and ammunition

A 38-year-old old man has appeared in court charged in connection with the seizure of a firearm, the possession of ammunition and the unlawful use of a motor vehicle.

John Anthony O’Hara of Church View, Ballinrobe Co Mayo appeared before Judge Colm Roberts at Fermoy District Court.

Detective Garda Noelle McSweeney gave evidence of arrest charge and caution. 

Court presenter Inspector Tony O’Sullivan told the court that Mr O’Hara was arrested at a garda checkpoint at Baltydaniel West, Mallow Co Cork shortly after 1.10am on the morning of Thursday, September 12.

When the vehicle was searched a 12-gauge semi-automatic Fabarm shotgun along with six cartridges were recovered. 

Mr O’Hara was charged under the Section 27 (A) of the Firearms Act with the lawful possession of a firearm not for a lawful use. 

He was also charged with the possession of six cartridges and the unlawful use of a motor vehicle.

Det Gda McSweeney said that gardaí were objecting to Mr O’Hara being granted bail due to the seriousness of the offences. 

Defence solicitor Matthew Bermingham said that his client lived with his mother in Ballinrobe and was not a flight risk.

Judge Colm Roberts said: “There is an ongoing feud and the nature of these offences are extremely serious.” 

He said that on that basis there was no possibility that he could grant Mr O’Hara bail.

Judge Roberts remanded Mr O’Hara in custody to appear by video link at Mallow District Court on September 17. 

Mr Bermingham said that if he was placed in custody Mr O’Hara would have serious concerns for his own safety. 

Judge Roberts said that the State was obliged to ensure his safety and the necessary arrangements would be put in place.