Man charged in connection with gun and drugs seizure

A Co Kildare resident appeared in court today charged in connection with a seizure of guns and ecstasy tablets in Dublin on Wednesday last.

He had been arrested following a Garda seizure of firearms and over 1,000 tablets at Dolphin’s Barn, on Dublin’s southside.

Unemployed father of one, Derek Mulligan (aged 36), who is originally from Tallaght, but now residing at Sunnyhill, Castlemartin Lodge, Kilcullen, Co. Kildare appeared at the Dublin District Court..

The court heard that the defendant is accused of three counts under the Firearms Act and two charges under the Misuse of Drugs Act for possessing ecstasy tablets and possession with intent to supply.

The firearms charges state that he had a 6mm blank firing pistol, a .380 semi-automatic pistol and silencer, which had its serial numbers erased, and a 12-inch signal flare gun, at 4A Dolphin Road, Dolphins Barn. It is alleged the drugs were found at the same location.

Garda Barry Hayes, Kevin Street station, said that the defendant made no reply when he was charged.

He told District Court president Judge Miriam Malone that he was objecting to bail due to the “severity of the offences.” He also said that the defendant could be a “flight risk” and may leave the jurisdiction.

In relation to the seriousness of the alleged offences, Garda Hayes said the “charges speak for themselves” and the value of the drugs seized was approximately €5,000.

He also added that further charges may be brought in relation to the case and if convicted the defendant faced the possibility of a lengthy sentence.

He agreed with defence counsel Ms Lalita Pillay that Mr Mulligan had been residing at his current address for the past seven years and had never been in trouble before.

Garda Hayes also agreed with Ms Pillay that her client had “serious ties to this jurisdiction” in relation to his teenage son, his family and house for which he is paying a mortgage.

Judge Malone said she would grant bail in the defendant’s own bond of €1,000 with a €3,000 independent surety of which one third is to be lodged.

She also stipulated that he must surrender his passport, not apply for duplicate travel documentation and the relevant authorities were to be notified that the defendant was not to leave the country.

Judge Malone also ordered the defendant, who was dressed in jeans, a shirt and a hooded jacket, to sign on twice daily at Naas Garda station and to give notice to the court and to Garda Hayes if he intended to change his address.

The defendant was remanded in custody with consent to bail to appear again at Cloverhill District Court on October 29 next pending directions from the DPP. Legal aid was granted after the judge heard that he has been unemployed for the past two years.