Longford man taking steps to prepare for end of the world in court on firearm charges

A defendant who was “taking steps” to prepare for the end of the world will be assessed by Probation Services to ascertain if he is suitable for Community Service.

David Farrelly (38) of 1 Castle House, Newtownforbes came before District Court Judge Bernadette Owens as a result of a search by Gardaí of his home under warrant.

The charges were that on July 6, 2022 at 1 Castle House, Newtownforbes he was cultivating cannabis, he was in possession of ammunition without a firearms certificate, he was in possession of the component parts of a firearm and he had imported into the State ammunition (510 9mm calibre discharge cases) without a licence.

Sergeant Enda Daly explained the matter came to light when delivery company DPD delivered a package that contained the empty 9mm shell casings.

The Gardaí obtained a warrant and searched the defendant's home. In the course of the search they found items which were sent to the forensic science lab.

The lab determined they were tools and parts for the construction of a semi-automatic firearm. The search also found two immature cuttings of cannabis plants.

Mr Farrelly made full admissions. The defendant had four previous convictions including drunk driving, criminal damage and trespass.

Solicitor Frank Gearty explained that his client had co-operated throughout the investigation. Mr Gearty said the defendant believed the end of the world was approaching and he was “taking steps”.

Mr Farrelly had set up an electrostatic netting in his bedroom and was taking measures to protect himself.

Mr Gearty told the court since he was detected he has managed to “get his life back on track”.

Regarding the cannabis the solicitor said they were “tiny, small little leaves”, but acknowledged they had the potential to grow.

Mr Gearty pointed out his client had stopped using cannabis and was now taking medication.

The solicitor noted the components of the weapon were not assembled, but accepted that there were YouTube videos that showed how to put them together.

The court heard that the defendant had acknowledged his wrongdoing, but Mr Gearty explained: “His mind had run away with him, he was in his own little world.”

The solicitor suggested Mr Farrelly was “a good candidate for a probation report”.

Adjourning the matter to June 18 Judge Bernadette Owens said that the court needed a risk assessment and directed a probation report.