Men face charges in Uzi and AK47 cache find

Two men facing charges in connection with a guns haul in Cork - that included two rocket launchers, five AK47s, two Uzi submachine guns - appeared in court and were remanded in custody today.

The two accused men made no application for bail and Judge Con O’Leary remanded them to appear again at Cork District Court on Thursday.

The two accused are Glen Geasley of 10 Innishmore Drive, Ballincollig, Co Cork and Seán Callinan of 11 Pearse Park, Tullamore, Co Offaly.

They each face different charges in relation to the same cache of arms. The charge faced by Geasley (aged 26), states that on dates between February 22 and April 20, within the State, he and others conspired together to commit crimes punishable by law, namely the possession of firearms with intent to enable any other person by means of such firearms to endanger life or cause injury to property, contrary to Common Law.

Callinan (aged 20), faces a charge of attempting to have in his possession the same firearms at the Ibis Hotel, Dunkettle, Co Cork, in such circumstances as to give rise to a reasonable inference that such possession would not be for a lawful purpose, contrary to Common Law.

Detective Sergeant John Cahill charged Geasley at the Bridewell Garda station at 8.20pm last night and after he was cautioned he made no reply.

Detective Garda Matt Deasy charged Callinan in similar circumstances and the accused replied: “Nothing.”

Diarmuid Kelleher, solicitor for both accused, said there was no application for bail today.

He did apply for free legal aid but Judge O’Leary said he would require to see a statement of means in respect of both accused.

Inspector Richard O’Regan said the Director of Public Prosecutions had to give directions in the case.

The list of 24 weapons referred to in the charge faced by each defendant consists of: two RPG rocket launchers, five AKM assault rifles (commonly known as AK47s), five AR15 semi automatic assault rifles, two Uzi machine guns, three Smith and Wesson, two Browning semi-automatic assault rifles and five Sig Saur pistols.