Court refuses bail for Cork man charged in connection with firearms and explosives offences

Paul Sheehan of Elm Drive, Shamrock Lawn, Douglas in Cork faces a total of four charges. Picture: Eddie O'Hare

The 45-year-old man who was arrested and charged in connection with the discovery of firearms and explosives at a house in Douglas was refused bail on Wednesday when he applied to be released by video link from prison.

Paul Sheehan of Elm Drive, Shamrock Lawn, Douglas, in Cork was remanded in custody by Judge Mary Dorgan at Cork District Court.

Detective Garda Anthony Daly objected to bail being granted to the accused because of the seriousness of the allegations in the case.

Judge Dorgan said on the basis of the seriousness of the evidence outlined in court today and that the accused had told gardaí that he was a regular user of cocaine, bail was being refused. Paul Sheehan was remanded in custody until November 26. Sergeant John Dineen said DPP directions would be sought in the case.

Det. Garda Daly said in his outline of the allegations against the accused: “He was discovered in possession of illegally held firearms and ammunition on November 4 in suspicious circumstances at Applegreen Service Station in Mallow.

“A follow-up search in the early hours of the following day was conducted at his home address at Elm Drive, Shamrock Lawn, Douglas, Cork, and a large amount of firearm components, firearms, explosives and equipment for manufacturing, altering and producing firearms and ammunition was located.

“The Army bomb disposal unit and members from the ballistics section of An Garda Siochana were deployed to attend, contain and make safe the scene.

“When he was searched at Applegreen Service Station on November 4 he was caught red-handed in possession of a 32 calibre Beretta semi-automatic pistol, a slide of a 9mm Glock 17 semi-automatic pistol, firearm components, ammunition and a quantity of cocaine. There was evidence of a firearm having being discharged from within the vehicle.

“In the search at his home, a large amount of firearms, ammunition and explosive substances were found, including three pipe bomb bodies. Evidence of the manufacture and alteration of firearms and ammunition was also discovered. 

“Paul Sheehan who made certain admissions. admitted to possessing, manufacturing and altering different firearm components.” 

Paul Sheehan was remanded in custody until November 26. Picture: Eddie O'Hare

He faces charges contrary to the Firearms and Offensive Weapons Act, 1990 and one under the Explosive Substances Act of 1883.

The charges include possession of a .32 calibre Beretta semi-automatic pistol, a deactivated .38 calibre Smith & Wesson revolver, a slide for a 9mm Glock semi-automatic pistol and three pipe bomb bodies.

Paul Sheehan brought his application for bail through defence solicitor David O’Meara.

In the course of the objection to bail, Det. Garda Daly said there would be an application ultimately to have the case dealt with at the Special Criminal Court. He also indicated that further charges were anticipated in the case.