Stun gun found in Limerick drugs search a ‘souvenir from wife’
Judge Eugene O' Kelly
A JUDGE has ordered the destruction of a stun gun found by gardai who were searching a house in Doon for drugs, Limerick District Court has heard.
After hearing the wife of 34-year-old Wesley Ryan had brought the item back from Turkey as a gift, Judge Eugene O’Kelly remarked she would be “well-advised to choose her souvenirs more carefully in future”.
Mr Ryan, of Coonagh Court, Doon, pleaded guilty to possession of the stun gun on October 7, 2011.
Inspector Paul Reidy, Henry Street Garda Station, outlined that Detective Garda David Baynham was searching the property when the stun gun was found.
Judge O’Kelly asked whether there was any “sinister reason” behind Mr Ryan having the item, to be told the state was not aware of any.
Solicitor John Devane said the item had been stowed away out of the reach of the young children in the house.
Judge O’Kelly asked how “if the stun gun was put away, did it come to the attention of the gardai?”
“They were conducting a search under the Misuse of Drugs Act, which turned out to be negative,” Mr Devane said.
“Mr Ryan’s wife brought it back from Turkey as a souvenir and she foolishly thought he might like it,” the solicitor explained.
She had bought the article “over the counter” and Mr Ryan was “not aware he was committing an offence in retaining it”, he added.
Judge O’Kelly asked the inspector how such an item could get through airport security to be told the components can often be made from plastic.
The judge ordered the destruction of the stun gun and gave Mr Ryan 12 weeks to make a contribution of €300 to St Vincent de Paul.
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Wednesday 22 May 2013
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