Pair face life for intent to endanger
Anthony Callaghan, aged 45, and Paul Zambra, aged 39, face a maximum sentence of life imprisonment for the offence. A mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years applies to Callaghan as he has a previous conviction for a firearms offence. The court may deviate from the 10 years in the case of Zambra.
Callaghan, of Millrace Road, Phoenix Park Racecourse, and Zambra, of Inagh Road, Ballyfermot, both pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to possession of a Ruger revolver and semi-automatic pistol with intent to endanger life at Clonshaugh Avenue, Coolock, on May 29, 2015.
Zambra also pleaded guilty to driving without insurance on the same occasion.
Callaghan’s previous convictions include attempted robbery and possession of a firearm. Zambra has convictions for robbery, larceny, and road traffic offences.
Judge Melanie Greally adjourned sentencing until next Wednesday.
Detective Garda Glen Somers told Vincent Heneghan, prosecuting, that gardaí, acting on confidential information, mounted a surveillance operation over several days on the movements and activities surrounding a number of vehicles driven variously by Callaghan and Zambra.
On May 29, gardaí became aware that a white Nissan van, driven by Callaghan with Zambra as a front seat passenger, was on its way to Coolock. Zambra was dropped off at Clonshaugh Crescent where a blue BMW Estate was parked.
Zambra got into the BMW and drove onto Clonshaugh Avenue, in a direction in close proximity to Riverside Estate. Callaghan drove off onto Clonshaugh Rd.
Gardaí made tactical stops of both vehicles at about 12.15pm and arrested the men. Inside the BMW, gardaí recovered a full 5-litre petrol container, a semi-automatic pistol wrapped in newspaper, and a revolver inside a neck warmer.
The semi-automatic pistol had a silencer attached and its safety catch was off. The Ruger revolver was loaded with five rounds and had its serial numbers drilled off.
Garda Somers agreed with Sean Guerin, defending Callaghan, that when his client was stopped he was driving away from the Riverside area. He agreed there were no other outstanding matters in which Callaghan was a suspect.
Mr Guerin submitted there was case law outlining a clear distinction between intent to endanger life and intent to kill. He asked the court to take into account his client’s early guilty plea.
Michael O’Higgins, defending Zambra, said his client was a father of one who was separated from his partner.
He said Zambra has applied himself well while in custody and asked the court to take into account his prompt guilty plea.
