Man in tobacco theft case also accused of firearm possession

A jury in the trial of a Meath resident accused of robbing more than €300,000 worth of tobacco products has heard he was arrested on suspicion of being in possession of a firearm.

Francis (Frank) Cunningham (aged 63), of Bog Road, Longwood, has pleaded not guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to the robbery of tobacco products worth €314,916 and the false imprisonment of Joseph O'Toole and Edward Postol in Blanchardstown on March 14, 2007.

He has also pleaded not guilty to possession of a firearm or imitation firearm and unlawful use of a mechanically propelled vehicle on the same date in the same place.

Detective Garda Joe Enright told Mr Paul Carroll BL, prosecuting, he made his way to the Enfield area after he was made aware of matters through garda communications.

When he arrived at Enfield he saw a garda colleague dealing with Cunningham and noticed the back door of a white Transit van was open.

He said he saw cartons of cigarettes in the back of the van and approached Cunningham to arrest him on suspicion of being in possession of a firearm at North West Business Park.

Cunningham was brought to Blanchardstown Garda Station where his clothing was seized along with €750 and a small brown ear piece which was found in his pocket.

Det Gda Enright agreed with defence counsel Mr Blaise O’Carroll BL, that he did not search the car at the scene in Enfield so he did not see a firearm.

The trial continues before Judge Donagh McDonagh and a jury of six men and six women.