Man arrested in Longford with knife didn't think he was committing crime
A Portuguese man caught with a knife in his pocket in Longford town believed he was doing nothing illegal after it was bought for him by his brother in law.
Carlos Da Silva Bernardo (35), 33 Gleann Riada, Strokestown Road, Longford pleaded guilty at last week’s sitting of Longford District Court following an incident at Townspark, Market Square, Longford on April 29, 2023.
Sgt Enda Daly, for the State, said gardaí stopped the accused at around 5:15pm where he was found with a two inch blade in his pocket.
He was arrested soon afterwards and taken to Longford garda station for questioning.
Judge Bernadette Owens was also told Mr Da Silva Bernardo was unaware he was, in fact, committing a criminal offence by possessing the knife.
In defence, solicitor Bríd Mimnagh said the knife in question was a “small penknife” which his brother-in-law had bought him.
“He (Mr Da Silva Bernardo) did not believe it was illegal to carry it,” she said.
Ms Mimnagh was equally at pains to stress her client was not before the courts on a drugs related charge following the search.
She added Mr Da Silva Bernardo was currently in employment and was a father of one.
Ms Mimnagh said in view of her client’s previous good character, asked for the court to consider affording the accused a chance to escape a conviction by handing in a sum of cash to the court poor box.
Judge Owens agreed to that request and said she would be looking for Mr Da Silva Bernardo to hand over €300.
The case was adjourned until December 12 when the accused is expected to return and meet the terms of that order.