Seized pistol and ammo was part of murder ‘conspiracy’ by crime group, court hears

Tom Tuite

A semi-automatic pistol and ammunition intercepted in transit in Dublin last week was part of an organised crime gang's "conspiracy" to carry out a murder, a bail hearing was told.

Declan Coulahan, 45, of Drumcairn Parade, Tallaght, south Co Dublin, and 35-year-old Michael Simpson of Rowlagh Avenue in Clondalkin, West Dublin, faced their second court appearance on Friday.

The pair, who had been charged and remanded in custody on Friday, were brought before Dublin District Court on Monday.

Both men are accused of possessing a 9mm Luger calibre Glock model 17 semi-automatic pistol and possession of 10 rounds of 9mm Luger calibre ammunition in the Dublin area on December 17th.

Mr Coulahan was further remanded in custody to appear again on January 3rd, with his barrister Kevin McCrave giving gardai notice in court that his client would move a bail application on the next date.

Mr Coulahan was employed, earning €650 a week, and awaits a decision on whether he will be allowed free legal aid.

On Monday, Mr Simpson sought bail, which was denied following Garda objections.

Detective Garda James Morris of the National Drugs and Organised Crime Bureau cited the seriousness of the case. He alleged Mr Simpson was associated with an organised crime group with a violent history of threatening and intimidating behaviour.

Judge Mark O'Connell heard that the charges related to an investigation into a conspiracy by the key members of the gang to murder a named man.

Further serious charges could be proffered, and gardai are to seek directions from the Director of Public Prosecutions.

Detective Garda Morris alleged Mr Simpson was a "vital cog".

The court heard he told gardaí: "I was just moving the firearm". According to the detective’s evidence, Mr Simpson claimed he collected was going to give it to another person and he was not the person giving the orders.

Detective Chief Superintendent Seamus Boland also voiced objections to bail.

Defence solicitor Emer O'Sullivan described her client, who has yet to indicate a plea, as a stay-at-home father, a family man, and a "threat to no one".

The court heard that he was supported in court by relations and a former employer who had a work offer for him.

Judge O'Connell said Mr Simpson had the presumption of innocence. However, the judge refused the bail application and remanded Mr Simpson, who did not address the court, in custody to appear again on January 6th next.