Cork man admits to 20 charges of having guns, ammunition and explosives

His solicitor asked for free legal aid to be extended so that a psychological report could be prepared

Paul Sheehan's sentencing was adjourned until November 23 for an update on this pre-sentencing report. Picture: Eddie O'Hare

A stash of guns, ammunition and explosives were uncovered at a house in Douglas last November and on Friday a 45-year-old man confessed to a total of 20 charges arising out of this seizure and similar items found in his possession on the same day at a service station in Mallow.

Paul Sheehan of Elm Drive, Shamrock Lawn, Douglas in Cork, was arraigned at Cork Circuit Criminal Court today and he pleaded guilty to the 20 counts on the indictment.

Defence senior counsel, Jane Hyland, asked for free legal aid to be extended so that a psychological report could be prepared. “He is doing well in prison. He does have psychological issues,” Ms Hyland said.

Judge Sinéad Behan acceded to this application regarding the psychological report. Ms Hyland said that if it was not possible to get such a report, the defence would seek a probation report.

Sentencing was adjourned until November 23 for an update on this pre-sentencing report.

Detective Garda Anthony Daly said in an earlier outline of the allegations against the accused: “He was discovered in possession of illegally held firearms and ammunition on November 4, 2025, in suspicious circumstances at Applegreen Service Station in Mallow.

“At Applegreen Service Station on November 4 he was caught red-handed in possession of a .32 calibre Beretta semi-automatic pistol, firearm components, ammunition and a quantity of cocaine.

“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.” 

Today he pleaded guilty to the charges, many of them 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, and three pipe bomb bodies.

Paul Sheehan also admitted being in possession of Alprazolam tablets and cocaine when he was stopped in Mallow.