Limerick taxi driver in court over drugs and guns seizure refused bail

A LIMERICK man who is charged in connection with a large drugs, guns and ammunition seizure has been refused bail at Limerick District Court.

John O’Neill, aged 64, of Haymarket Cathedral Place, Limerick, appeared before Judge Patricia Harney this Thursday. He is in custody on the matter.

His solicitor, Cathal Quirke, made a bail application on behalf of his client.

Limerick District Court heard that on Tuesday, gardaí attached to the Limerick Divisional Drugs Unit, assisted by other regional and local units, conducted an operation in the city, where a domestic residence was searched under warrant.

This was part of ongoing investigations into the sale and supply of drugs in the region.

As a result, four pistols were seized, along with 13 rounds of ammunition, four ammunition magazines, suspected cannabis edibles with an estimated value of over €120,000, suspected cocaine with a value of €3,790 as well as a quantity of cash.

Mr O’Neill is facing seven charges in relation to this seizure.

However, Mr Quirke informed the court that his client is not charged in relation to the suspected cannabis edibles, which are the subject of further analysis.

Opposing bail, Detective Garda Declan O’Halloran gave evidence of arrest, charge and caution, to which the accused made no reply.

It was his view that if granted bail, Mr O’Neill could commit further offences. He said he believes a lengthy prison sentence will be imposed on the defendant is convicted given the “strength of the evidence” against him.

The detective alleged that on September 22, a search was carried out at the accused’s rented accommodation, where the items were found in a bedroom that was locked.

Mr O’Neill was not present at the time of the search but was later arrested at Roxboro Road by gardai.

Judge Harney said the man is facing a “large amount” of charges and she was informed that DPP directions are outstanding and that a file is being prepared by investigating gardai.

Mr Quirke reminded the court that the suspected cannabis does not form part of this application and that what the detective was stating is “opinion evidence.”

Responding to this, Judge Harney said: “We have guns, that’s where I am at with this.”

It is alleged that Mr O’Neill was the only person who had access to the locked room and that gardai believe he is involved in the distribution of controlled drugs and firearms for sale/supply.

Judge Harney was further informed that it will be allged the accused was found to be in contact with a senior member of a criminal enterprise.

However, she noted that Mr O'Neill “is not charged with being a member” of any criminal organisation.

It was also heard that the accused admitted during garda interviews to being a “regular cannabis user.”

Limerick District Court was informed that the man was conveyed to a garda station in Limerick city and detained under the provisions of Section 50 of the Criminal Justice Act 2007.

Mr Quirke told Judge Harney that his client has lived in Limerick all his life, where he worked as a taxi driver, and can reside outside of the city with a family member if granted bail. He put to the court that Mr O’Neill has an array of health issues and would abide by any conditions imposed.

“He hasn’t lost his presumption of innocence,” Mr Quirke said.

Taking all submissions into consideration, Judge Patricia Harney accepted Detective Garda O’Halloran’s “opinion evidence” saying she was satisfied with his account.

She refused Mr O’Neill bail due to the seriousness of the charges he is facing and considering he is a “person addicted to controlled drugs.”

John O’Neill was remanded in custody and will next appear before Limerick District Court on September 29.

Funded by the Court Reporting Scheme.