Bail refused for man allegedly carrying guns on Kildare canal
Naas Courthouse
A MAN who was allegedly found with two semi-automatic pistols and 39 rounds of ammunition on his person on Royal Canal Way on Wednesday has been denied bail.
Dylan Ivie (30) of Moyglare, Maynooth, appeared in Naas District Court the day after his arrest charged with two counts of possession of a firearm contrary to Section 27(a) of the Weapons and Firearms Act, and faces a third charge under the act after 39 rounds of ammunition were also allegedly found.
During a bail application which was opposed by the state, Garda Daniel Lyons outlined to court that on 6 May, at 4.25pm, two men riding a high-powered scrambler scooter were intercepted by gardaí, on the Royal Canal Way adjacent to Maynooth Train Station was denied bail.
The driver of the scrambler, Mr Ivie, was then searched, while the unidentified passenger fled the scene.
When the man was searched by gardaí, the red Underarmour backpack worn to Mr Ivie’s front revealed two 9mm Luger semi-automatic pistols as well as 39 rounds of ammunition, said Garda Lyons.
The court was told the firearms were later looked at by a ballistics expert and certified as real firearms. It was also alleged that the accused had no license for the firearms in his possession.
Mr Ivie was then interviewed and made no response to the alleged crime. Defence barrister Sean Egan told the court that the man fully contests the charges before him.
Mr Egan told the court that the man was willing to abide by strict bail conditions, including handing over his passport. He also brought attention to the severe overcrowding and human rights investigations into Cloverhill Prison – the facility where the accused was most likely to be held if denied bail.
However, Garda Lyons maintained his opposition to granting bail and said: “There are no conditions I’d be happy with due to the seriousness of the crime.” Court presenter Sergeant Dave Hanrahan added: “The court has a duty to members of the public to refuse bail.” Judge Desmond Zaidan offered that while there was no hard evidence to suggest the accused could be of risk while on bail, he offered that the “court must supply some degree of common sense and reality” to the situation.
He said: “When one applies common sense, you can see why gardaí have serious reservations, even though presumed innocent.” He concluded: “Having considered everything, strict bail conditions would not be appropriate.” It was decided that Mr Ivie was to be remanded in custody and is to appear before the court via videolink on 14 May.
