A YOUNG Mervue man was warned that he could face up to a year in prison for the offence of waving a gun about in a Galway pub.
Before Judge John King at the local District Court was Brian Richardson, 78, Walter Macken Place, Mervue, charged with the offence.
The Court heard that Richardson entered the King’s Head pub at 6pm on October 6 last and sat at a table. He produced what was described as a pistol-style pellet gun from his pants and waved it and returned it to his pocket. He then went outside the pub and carried out a similar action. Events were captured on CCTV.
Judge King asked if he had pointed the gun at anyone in particular and if people in the pub or on the street felt jeopardised by his actions.
Garda Sgt Damien Prendergast said it was his understanding that the defendant just waved the gun about but had not pointed it directly at anyone. He added that at 6pm there would have been a good number of people in the King’s Head and on the street. Gardaí were called and took control of the situation.
Judge King said he was very concerned over what had occurred and he put the case back to consider whether he would accept jurisdiction.
When the case was called again, the Judge said he took a very severe view of matters but as the gun had not been waved at anyone in particular he would accept jurisdiction. He noted a sentence of up to 12 months in prison could be imposed in such a case.
The case was adjourned until the April 8 sitting of the Court.
This article is funded by Comisiún na Meán.
