Two remanded in custody over firearms possession

Two men have been remanded in custody after Gardaí recovered four fully automatic 9mm handguns and more than 40 rounds of ammunition in Ballymun, Dublin.

David Savage, 34, of no fixed abode, and Anthony Duff, 51, of Doon Court in Poppintree, were arrested on Wednesday. Gardaí acted after reports of a man carrying firearms in the Belclare area of Poppintree.

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ready to fire

Garda Keith Crawley told Dublin District Court that the guns were found in a white plastic bag at a property in Doon Court. One had a round in its chamber and was "ready to fire". The Garda Ballistics Section later confirmed that all four were "viable firearms".

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there's a solicitor's strike

Both men face four charges of possessing firearms and ammunition in suspicious circumstances under the Firearms Act 1964. Savage made no reply to three charges and queried the number of charges after the fourth. He said "there's a solicitor's strike" and that he was "not in a position to apply" for bail without a solicitor. Judge Conor Fottrell granted him free legal aid and remanded him in custody.

Duff denied the allegations, telling the court, "I have no firearms in my possession, I am innocent of all charges". He represented himself during his bail application after saying he was able to proceed without a solicitor. Judge Fottrell refused bail under the Bail Act 1997 and told Duff he could appeal to the High Court.

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I have no firearms in my possession, I am innocent of all charges