A MAN with 28 previous convictions who was found with a menacing implement had “no reason” to carry such an item, a judge ruled.
Paul Ahearn (25), of 30 Claughaun Court, Garryowen, was stopped by Gardaí and found to be carrying a kitchen implement. His solicitor told Limerick District Court that he was “picking up items for a friend who had just moved into a new apartment”.
Mr Ahearn’s solicitor told that court that his client “has done a six-week treatment programme. He works for a steel company and injured his back. He has always put his hands up and admitted to it when he got into difficulties.”
After seeing a picture of the implement, a knife which was seized by Gardaí, Judge Patricia Harney said it “happened to be the most menacing looking pronged instrument”.
He was charged with possession of an implement under the Firearms Act.
Judge Harney was told Ahearn had 28 previous convictions, including ten for criminal damage (all occurring on one date), violent disorder, and production of a knife.
“I’ve seen a picture of this implement and there is no good reason for anyone to be walking around with that,” Judge Harney said.
Allowing him credit for making an early guilty plea, Judge Harney said she was still “concerned”.
She imposed a sentence of one week and suspended it for nine months.
