Limerick men charged with firearm possession

A senior garda said he feared for the safety of the people of Limerick if two men charged in connection with a shooting in the city were granted bail, a court heard today.

John Humphries, 31, from Keane Street, Kilalee, Limerick, and Willie Moran, 40, from St Senan’s Street, St Mary’s Park, Limerick, are charged with possession of a firearm at Flood Street in Limerick city.

Yesterday, at Limerick District Court, Detective Sergeant Eamon O’Neill objected to bail applications by both of the accused on behalf of the state.

Outlining the allegations against both of the accused men, Det Sgt O’Neill said five shots were allegedly fired at the back of a house in Flood Street in the Garryowen area last Wednesday morning.

The court heard that a woman in her 60s was in the house at the time and that one of the bullets went straight through a television and lodged in a teddy bear.

It is alleged that Mr Humphries was seen by a witness with a handgun “firing indiscriminately” and that Mr Moran drove him to the Flood Street area.

“Had it not been for the assistance of Mr Moran, I don’t think that Mr Humphries would have been able to carry out the alleged shooting,” said Det Sgt O’Neill.

Solicitors for both of the accused men said their clients would have no problem staying away from the Garryowen area or signing on daily at a nominated garda station as part of bail conditions.

Judge Tom O’Donnell said he had to take into account the seriousness of the charges.

“Both of the accused are charged with possession of a handgun, a matter which on conviction carries a very serious sentence,” said Judge O’Donnell.

“Having heard the allegations, I consider this to be a very serious matter,” he added.

Both men were remanded in custody to reappear before Limerick District Court on January 28.