Ballistic report required for Longford pepper spray case, judge hears

The defendant was arrested on February 24 this year under the Offensive Weapons Act 1990

A case centering around the possession of pepper spray has been put back until December 9 while the court awaits a ballistic certificate to determine whether or not the pepper spray qualifies as being in breach of the Firearms Act.

Defendant Thomas Nugent of Connacht Road, Longford, was arrested on February 24 this year under section 9(5) of the Firearms and Offensive Weapons Act 1990 and separately under section 2 of the Non Fatal Offences Against the Person Act 1997.

Acting for the state, Sgt Enda Daly, told the court that a ballistic certificate was still required in relation to the pepper spray.

“But pepper spray is pepper spray!” remarked Judge Deirdre Gearty.

“It’s a matter of whether it’s in breach of the Firearms Act,” explained Sgt Daly.

Judge Gearty pointed out that the court also had to deal with “section 2 as well which would be a summary matter”.

Legal representation Mr John Anderson took on the representation of the accused in court following a transfer of legal aid. The matter will be back before the court on December 9.