Knife carrier claimed weapon was a gift for his grandfather

Defendant contested the case against him for carrying a knife with no lawful purpose but was jailed for three months

The accused's solicitor said the garda 'jumped to conclusions' over the knife but Judge Olann Kelleher said Garda O'Donovan was experienced in such matters.

A Cork man convicted of carrying a knife in a sheath claimed that he had just bought the weapon as a gift for his grandfather who had fought in the Congo and served many years in the army.

Frank Buttimer, solicitor, said during a submission on the case on behalf of Stephen Donovan that nobody would be able to buy a knife for legitimate purposes in Cork, put it in their bag, and walk home with it.