Father of three to plead guilty over seizure of machine gun and ammo in Clare forest

A FATHER of three school-going children is to sign a guilty plea over the unlawful possession of an M16 machine gun, 179 rounds of ammunition and a 30-round capacity magazine which were seized in a forested area in Shannon last year.

At Ennis District Court this Wednesday, Evan Little, aged 32, of Inis Eagla, Shannon, Co Clare appeared to face charges arising from the seizure.

The three charges, including a new charge that was preferred this Wednesday, of having in his unlawful possession a 30 round capacity magazine at Clonmoney West, Shannon on September 15, last.

Solicitor for Mr Little, Daragh Hassett said his client’s interactions "are very clear"  and that he will be signing guilty pleas to all charges to go forward to the circuit court.

Sergeant John Burke said the Director of Public Prosecutions has instructed that the case be heard before the circuit court.

Usually, this requires the preparation of a Book of Evidence but Mr Hassett said his client going forward to the Circuit Court on a guilty plea removes the need for the State to draw up the Book of Evidence.

Judge Mary Cashin noted this and she said an accused person who is signing a guilty plea should do so in court. Mr Hassett agreed, stating “it is a significant step”.

Sgt Burke told the court gardai would expedite the paperwork for this to happen and Judge Cashin said the case could be adjourned for one week.

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Mr Little is charged with having in his unlawful possession an M16 assault rifle and 179 rounds of ammunition in a forested area at Clonmoney West, Shannon on September 15, 2023.

He was first arrested arising from a joint operation between the Emergency Response Unit and the Clare Divisional Drugs Unit.

The defendant has been on remand in custody since last September after he was first refused bail in the district court and in the High Court in November.

At the district court bail hearing last September, Mr Hassett said his client “is a law abiding PAYE worker” and that it was the first time he has ever spent time in prison.

Det Garda Ger Cunningham said gardai were objecting to bail due to the seriousness of the charges and the significant calibre weapon involved which he said is commonly used by military personnel.

Mr Little is a qualified tree surgeon.

Following this Wednesday's hearing, Judge Cashin remanded Mr Little in custody to appear in person before the court again next Week.