A MAN appeared before a court in Limerick charged with the illegal possession of a submachine-gun and ammunition.
Willie Woodland (31), of Shanabooly Road, Ballynanty, Limerick, had the gun and ammunition at his home address on Tuesday September 3, it was alleged.
Mr Woodland is accused of being in possession of a 9 x 18mm Makarov calibre, Rak make, model PM63 submachine-gun, for an unlawful purpose, contrary to Section 27A (1) of the Firearms Act, 1964, as substituted by Section 59 of the Criminal Justice Act, 2006, as amended by Section 38 of the Criminal Justice Act, 2007.
Mr Woodland is also accused of having a quantity of 9 x18mm Makrov calibre ammunition for an unlawful purpose, contrary to the same.
Evidence of arrest, charge, and caution was presented to the court by certificate.
Mr Woodland did not speak during the brief court hearing and no evidence of the allegations was heard.
Garda Laura Lyons, Henry Street Garda Station, gave evidence that Detective Garda Sean O’Hagan, of Henry Street Garda Station, arrested Mr Woodland and charged him.
The accused made no reply to the charges, the court heard.
Garda Sergeant Sean Murray, of Roxboro Road Garda Station, made an application before the court for Mr Woodland, who was granted free legal aid, to be remanded in custody until next week for directions from the Director of Public Prosecutions.
Solicitor Sarah Ryan, representing Mr Woodland, said she was not applying for bail.
Judge Carol Anne Coolican granted Sgt Murray’s application and remanded Mr Woodland in custody to appear before Limerick District Court via video-link on September 10 for DPP direction.
