A 22-YEAR-OLD man appeared in court in Limerick yesterday, charged in connection with the seizure of a high-powered sniper rifle at his home in the city earlier this week.
Christopher Clancy (22), of Cliona Park, Moyross, is charged with possession of a .27 calibre Winchester rifle for an unlawful purpose on May 21 last.
The weapon was seized during a pre-planned search operation on the same date.
At Limerick District Court, Garda DJ Hayes, Roxboro Garda station, gave evidence of formally arresting and charging the accused under the provisions of the Firearms Act.
During a bail application, Sgt Alan Cullen said the weapon seized included a telescopic sight and was designed to kill a deer in a single shot from long distances. He objected to bail due to the seriousness of the charge and the possible sentence Mr Clancy would receive if convicted.
The Garda witness alleged that Mr Clancy was aligned to a criminal gang in Limerick and claimed he would commit further serious offences if released on bail.
Defence solicitor John Devane said his client would abide by any bail conditions imposed if freed and said that, if necessary, Mr Clancy would stay away from the Moyross area, where he has lived all his life. He also said his client had been co-operative with gardaí following his arrest.
Following the bail application, Judge Aeneas McCarthy said he was refusing bail and he granted an application from Insp Gerry McNamara to have the defendant remanded in custody until May 27th.