Man (36) who went home to fetch gun after row in pub is jailed for two and half years
LOCKED UP | Judge accepts semi-automatic pistol was discharged accidentally
Pearse Daly.Drogheda IndependentToday at 08:53A 36-year-old carpenter who left a pub following a row before returning with a gun which went off during a struggle has been jailed for two-and-a-half years.Pearse Daly, Ardee Street, Collon, previously pleaded guilty to one of four counts on the indictment that on February 3, 2024, at Ardee Street, Collon, he had possession of a .22 LR calibre Ruger model semi-automatic pistol.Evidence was given that he did not have a licence for the weapon which defence counsel said he ‘bought impulsively in a licensed premises’.It was stated on behalf of Mr Daly that he had a solid work history and was a skilled tradesman much in demand.Gda Gary O’Donoghue testified that on February 3, 2024, the defendant was drinking heavily in Watters’ Pub, Collon. He had approximately 10 pints.In the smoking area words were exchanged with a group of young men. Afterwards he went home and retrieved a gun before returning.At an adjourned sentence hearing, Judge Dara Hayes said there was pushing and shoving, during which the gun was produced, and it appeared to have been accidentally discharged.The judge continued it was unclear how the defendant came by the illegally held gun.‘No one mercifully was injured - but that was by the grace of God. Why he had the gun is a mystery - why he thought it a good idea to go back for it, another.’The self-employed cabinet maker was the main breadwinner for his family and was assessed as being at low risk of re-offending.A four-and-a-half-year sentence was imposed, with the final two years suspended on Mr Daly entering a good behaviour bond.
