A MAN AND a 15-year-old youth have been remanded in custody after they were charged over the weekend in connection with the discovery of a loaded handgun by gardaí in Co Cork.
Martin Geasley (29), a self-employed tiler and father of three, Radharc Na Coille, Rathcoole, Co Cork, and the youth, who cannot be named because of his age, were brought before a special sitting of Cork District Court on Saturday night.
Both were charged with possessing a Glock semi-automatic pistol, a magazine and seven rounds of Parabellum 9mm ammunition at Barnagore, Ovens, Co Cork on July 3rd.
Det Garda Pádraig Harrington gave evidence of arrest, charge and caution in relation to Mr Geasley who replied "No" to the charge when it was put to him after caution.
Det Garda David O'Callaghan told the court that the juvenile made no reply when the charge was put to him after he was cautioned. Det Insp John Quilter said that gardaí were objecting to bail for Mr Geasley - who, he alleged, was driving the van when stopped on the Ballincollig bypass last week - on the grounds that they believed he would abscond and not stand trial and that he would commit further offences if given bail.
Mr Geasley, who was granted free legal aid, took the stand and told his solicitor, Gerard Hanley, that he would not abscond as he had a partner and three children living here.
"I absolutely will turn up for trial if I get bail. I have a house here, I have three kids and a partner here. My whole life is here, I have no choice," said Mr Geasley.
However Judge Uinsinn Mac Gruairc said that taking all the evidence into account, he was going to refuse him bail and he remanded him in custody to appear again at Cork District Court No 1 this morning for directions from the Director of Public Prosecutions on the matter.
Mr Hanley said that he was not applying for bail on behalf of the juvenile, who was also granted free legal aid, and the judge remanded him in detention at Oberstown House to appear this morning for DPP's directions.
