Limerick farmer in court over air rifle

A LIMERICK farmer was before Newcastle West Court for having an air rifle “innocently for many years” which he used to shoot vermin.

Thomas Stack, aged 44, of Clonee, Ballyagran pleaded guilty to unauthorised possession of a firearm at Coolagown, Castletown on November 12, 2020.Inspector Gearoid Thompson, prosecuting, said gardai were conducting enquiries in relation to an unrelated matter when they found Mr Stack in possession of an air rifle.

“Unbeknownst to him it was 13.7 joules which requires a certificate under the Firearms Act. We accept it was not in his possession for any nefarious reason. He used it on the farm. He didn’t have a licence for it,” said Insp Thompson.

Michael O’Donnell, solicitor for Mr Stack, said his client “innocently had the gun for many years”.

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“He purchased it in a shop in Limerick city. They are available to buy online. The legislation has changed - he was unaware of the situation. He is 44-years-old and is of impeccable character. He has no previous convictions,” said Mr O’Donnell.

The solicitor asked Judge Carol Anne Coolican not to give Mr Stack a criminal conviction due to his “innocence”.

“Air rifles are possessed by thousands upon thousands of people. One joule is the limit. He is aware of that now. He only used it to shoot vermin,” said Mr O’Donnell.

Judge Coolican applied the Probation Act which means Mr Stack left the court with his unblemished record intact.