A Cork city man appeared in court yesterday charged with a breach of air traffic legislation which prohibits having dangerous items, including firearms and explosives, at airport terminals.
Garry Coyne (31), of Woodville, Rochestown Road, Cork, was charged at Cork District Court with an offence at Cork airport under Section 12(2) of the Air Navigation and Transport Act 1988, on April 5th, 2004.
No details were given in court of the alleged offence, but the Act prohibits having a range of articles, including firearms, whether real or replica, explosives, including fake or hoax materials, as well as any item capable of incapacitating a person or damaging property.
Insp John O'Brien said the DPP had consented to the matter being dealt with at District Court level on a plea, but had ordered that it be dealt with at Circuit Court level if the matter is contested.
Mr Coyne's solicitor, Frank Buttimer, asked for an adjournment, and requested copies of Garda statements before his client decides which course to take.
Judge Tim Lucey ordered gardaí to make copy statements available, and adjourned the matter until May 23th.
Under Section 29 of the Air Navigation And Transport Act 1988, anyone convicted in the District Court of an offence under Section 12(2) can be fined up to €1,000 or receive a maximum jail sentence of six months or both.
If the offence is sent forward for trial by indictment in the Circuit Criminal Court, the penalty, if convicted, increases to a maximum fine of €50,000 and a maximum jail term of three years or both.