Woman (27) pleads guilty to possession of guns and ammunition in Dublin

Eoin Reynolds

A 27-year-old mother has been released on continuing bail after she admitted being in possession of a firearms arsenal spread out over two locations in Dublin last year.

Sarah Jane Byrne, of Mangorton Road, Drimnagh, Dublin 12, appeared before the three-judge Special Criminal Court on Thursday where she pleaded guilty to five offences.

Her barrister, Keith Spencer BL, told the court that Ms Byrne was dealing with addiction at the time of her arrest.

She has been attending a rehabilitation programme and is the mother of a ten-month-old child, he said.

He asked the court to order a probation report ahead of sentencing.

The Director of Public Prosecutions did not oppose bail.

Ms Justice Karen O'Connor set the sentencing hearing for October 20th this year and ordered a probation report.

Byrne pleaded guilty that on February 16th 2024 at Old Navan Road in Blanchardstown, Dublin 15 she had in her possession or under control a 9mm Makarov semi-automatic pistol and ammunition in circumstances giving rise to a reasonable inference she did not have them for a lawful purpose.

On the same date, at her home address, she pleaded guilty to similar charges relating to possession of 27 rounds of Luger 9mm ammunition, a 12-gauge "over and under" sawn-off Beretta shotgun, and a Tokarev submachine gun.