Jail for man who kept loaded sawn-off shotgun over fear of 'real threat to his life'

Judge Melanie Greally sentenced Darren Mullarney to five years in prison but suspended the final 18 months given what she said were the “very exceptional” circumstances of the case.

A man who kept a loaded sawn-off shotgun in his bedroom because of a “real threat to his life” has been sentenced to five years in prison.

Darren Mullarney, 41, of Fortlawn Park, Blanchardstown, Dublin, pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to unlawful possession of a sawn-off shotgun at his home on May 25, 2018.