'Sadistic' Limerick man jailed for possession of loaded submachine gun at his home

A BALLYNANTY man who was found in possession of a loaded submachine gun at his family home has been given a lengthy prison sentence for that and other offences. 

In a sentencing hearing this Monday, William 'Willie' Woodland, aged 31, of Shanabooley Road, was sentenced to 13 years' imprisonment, with the final 18 months suspended. 

Previously, Limerick Circuit Court heard that a search warrant was executed based on information that Woodland had cocaine at his home. 

Giving evidence, Garda Laura Lyons said gardaí arrived and observed Woodland trying to discard a gear bag from an upstairs window and that it was later established it contained a Makarov calibre Rak submachine-gun with a magazine inserted. There were 15 bullets in the magazine and a further 18 rounds of ammunition in the bag along with a quantity of cocaine and cannabis. 

A smaller quantity of drugs were located in the house, including in the bedroom of Woodland's mother. €1,000 in cash was also found during the search. In total, cannabis worth €3,346.46 and €2,583.98 of cocaine was seized. 

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Being interviewed by gardaí following his arrest in 2024, Woodland initially said the firearm was his and that he had purchased it for €5,000 two days earlier. 

However, in a subsequent interview, the now 31-year-old said he was “minding” the gun for an unnamed person and had been paid €1,000 to do so. He admitted he had posted images and videos on Snapchat of him holding the gun and pulling the trigger. However, no magazine was inserted at this time. 

During the sentencing hearing, Judge Colin Daly heard evidence relating to three separate offences to which Woodland also pleaded guilty and now been sentenced for. 

The first related to the discovery of thousands of euro worth of stolen property from a parked car on May 6, 2021.

Detective Garda Jerry O'Sullivan said another garda - Niall O'Connor - approached the vehicle parked in the car park of Barry's Shop in Ardnacrusha, County Clare after smelling cannabis. William Woodland was in the driver's seat while a woman was in the passenger seat. 

A search of the car revealed items that were stolen during two burglaries that had taken place just hours earlier in Adare and Rathkeale. 

The offence, Judge Daly was told, happened in breach of the terms of a partially-suspended prison sentence which was imposed on Woodland in 2018 for a firearms offence. Det Garda O'Sullivan said a bench warrant was also issued for his arrest in July 2023 when he failed to appear in court for a sentencing hearing.

Detective Garda Shaun O’Hagan gave evidence regarding offences which Woodland committed in 2023, while on bail. Both offences related to a woman who Woodland was previously in a relationship with for around 18 months.

The first incident took place at Cliona Park, Moyross on June 13, 2023 when the defendant bumped into his ex-partner. The court heard he ran after her, pinned her to the ground and attempted to steal her phone.

Photographs of her injuries were submitted to Judge Daly. These showed marks on her arm, grazed elbows, wrist abrasions, knee injuries and a bite mark on her buttocks.

The victim was attacked a second time - on September 18, 2023 -  at her family home on the northside of the city. Det Garda O'Hagan said, Woodland walked through the door and approached the victim “in a violent manner.”

The court heard that he was “red in the face” and accused her of being with someone else. The detective said Woodland “bear-hugged” the victim and demanded her phone, saying “f****** give it to me.” She threw herself to the ground and tried to run.  She said gave him her phone when she realised he had a knife.

During this attack, it was stated that Woodland called the victim a “dirty whore” and left multiple bite marks on her body. 

In a victim impact statement, the woman said she believed Woodland was going to kill her and that she would never be the same person again emotionally or physically.

The victim outlined the nature of their relationship saying it got to a point where she “didn't care” if he hurt her as she was accustomed to it. However, she highlighted one painful memory, where Woodland threw a necklace into the fire that contained her grandmother’s ashes.

Having heard the facts relating to the offences, Judge Colin Daly remarked that the intimate act of biting the victim on her rear in the June 13 attack was an act of “gross degradation." 

Commenting further on the second assault in September, where Woodland pled guilty to aggravated burglary among other offences, Judge Daly said this “barbaric” attack was both “revolting” and “sadistic” in its nature.

Before passing sentence, he said it was clear that Mr Woodland was involved in criminality and organised crime to a “significant” degree, noting that his possession of a sub-machine gun as well as ammunition is “not a victimless crime.” 

In mitigation, the court heard that the Ballynanty native entered early guilty pleas which Judge Daly said carried "significant weight” as it meant the victim did not have to testify, nor her family. It was said that Mr Woodland has a history of drug abuse but is remorseful for his crimes. He is currently residing in Portlaoise Prison where he is “doing well” and has a job. 

Judge Daly first imposed a two-and-a-half year sentence for the possession of stolen goods charge. For the assault on his ex-partner and attempted theft of her mobile phone in June 2023, a separate two-and-a-half year sentence was imposed - to be served concurrently. 

A four-year sentence was imposed for the second assault while a six-year prison sentence was imposed for aggravated burglary. These are also to run concurrently with the earlier sentences. 

Following the seizure at Woodland’s family home in which a loaded sub-machine and ammunition were retrieved, two seven year sentences were issued. Two separate two-year sentences were also imposed for both the cannabis and cocaine finds. These will run consecutively to the six-year aggravated burglary charge.  

In total, Judge Colin Daly sentenced William Woodland to 13 years imprisonment but having considered the principle of proportionality and totality, he suspended the final 18 months for a period of 13 years. 

The sub-machine gun located following the search will be destroyed and the €1,000 in cash that was found during the garda search will be forfeited to the State.