Firearms licences restored to shooting enthusiast

A shooting enthusiast who lost his firearms licences because of garda concerns for public safety won his licences back yesterday after claiming that he was a calm person with no inclination to be aggressive.

Miodrag Labus, of 4 Friars Walk Mews, Friars Walk, Cork, said he had been involved in shooting wild animals since he was growing up in Croatia. He continued this pastime over the past 12 years in Ireland, shooting deer, fox, and rabbits until the recent revocation of his rifle and shotgun licences.

Superintendent Barry McPolin said during an appeal hearing at Cork District Court yesterday that the reason for refusing to grant licences to Mr Labus for his Tikka bolt action rifle and Baikal double barrel shotgun was a concern for public safety.