KILDARE COURT: Man found with sawn off shotgun in car stopped by gardaí
A man found with a sawn off shotgun in the footwell of a car appeared at Naas District Court.
Luke Menton, 22, whose address was given as Ticknevin, Carbury, is being prosecuted for alleged possession of a 12 gauge double barrel shotgun at Cappagh, Kilcock, on April 2.
At a previous hearing Garda Jason Tone told the court that the defendant was originally arrested under Section 30 of the Offences Against the State Act at 12.45.
The garda added that when charged and cautioned he defendant made no response.
Garda Tone added that the gardaí staged a “controlled stop” and the firearm was wrapped in a black plastic and found a footwell in the car.
The end of the gun was visible and no ammunition was found in the vehicle or during a search of the defendant’s home.
He also said that the defendant admitted buying the weapon for €500 “for his own protection” and he was on his way home at the time.
Members of the Emergency Response Unit as well as Armed Support Unit gardaí were involved in bringing the vehicle to a halt.
He was the sole occupant of the vehicle at the time.
Garda Tone said the defendant was ten minutes for home when stopped and he said it was not delivering it to anyone.
Sgt Brian Jacob said the incident arose from a targeted search by the ERU.
The defendant pleaded guilty and the case will be heard at Naas Circuit Court.