Man on firearm charge seeks bail

A 29-year-old Corkman charged with discharging a firearm, arising out of an investigation into a young woman being shot in the neck 10 days ago, yesterday said he was seeking bail.

Gavin Sheehan, aged 29, of 7 Laurel Ridge, Shanakiel, Cork, yesterday appeared by video link from prison at Cork District Court. He is accused of discharging a firearm, being reckless as to whether any person was injured or not on May 15, at Hollywood estate, Blarney Rd, Cork.

He was further charged with possession of a 9mm calibre round of ammunition at the same date and place.

The third charge against Mr Sheehan is, at his home at Laurel Ridge on the same date, he allegedly had in his possession a Smith and Wesson 60.96 semi-automatic firearm giving rise to a reasonable inference he did not have it in his possession for a lawful purpose.

Inspector Gary McPolin advised the court: “The file has not been completed. These alleged offences only occurred on May 15. It is quite a technical file.”

The inspector sought a two-week adjournment to allow time for directions from the DPP. The inspector said he would accept a longer adjournment if the defence would consent to a four-week adjournment.

Judge Leo Malone said he could only remand the accused in custody for two weeks without his consent and would need his consent for a longer adjournment.

Solicitor Declan Barry, appearing on behalf of solicitors in Dundalk, said he did not have instructions to give that consent.

Judge Malone remanded Mr Sheehan in custody until June 8.

At that point, Mr Sheehan spoke up on the video link. “Sorry your honour, can I speak? I want to make a bail application. I want to speak to my solicitor.”

Judge Malone let the two-week adjournment stand.

When Mr Sheehan first appeared last week, the solicitor representing him said there was no bail application, but the position regarding a bail application was being reserved.