Champion power-lifter admits firearms offences

A champion power-lifter has pleaded guilty on the morning of his trial to the possession of a firearm and ammunition.

Des Ryan (aged 54) pleaded guilty to the unlawful possession of a sawn-off, 12-gauge side-by-side shotgun and two 12 gauge Eley shotgun cartridges at Ecco Road, Dundalk, Co Louth on August 8, 2010.

Ryan, of Tubberfinn, Donore, Drogheda, had been due to stand trial on the charges at the Special Criminal Court in Dublin this morning.

Ms Una Ni Raifeartaigh SC, prosecuting, said the State was entering a “nolle prosequi” - in other words not proceeding with - a count of membership of an unlawful organisation against Ryan.

Presiding judge Mr Justice Nicholas Kearns remanded Ryan on continuing bail to appear before the court for sentencing on May 10 next.