Wednesday 28 October 2026Compiled from published reports. Every claim links to its source.

Ireland Crime

Every case followed from the first report to the sentence, or to where the reporting stopped.

Case No. 2532Firearms licence (administrative) · Co. Donegal · 17 Jan 2025

Donegal barrister granted firearms licence with anger management condition

Alexander Smyth, a Donegal barrister and veterinary practice owner, was granted a firearms licence for two firearms at Letterkenny District Court after a protracted 15-hour hearing, but was required to complete an anger management course within 12 months and submit a report on a book about interpersonal relations.

  1. Reportednot reported
  2. Arrestednot reported
  3. Chargednot reported
  4. In court17 Jan
  5. Verdict
  6. Sentenced
reportedhappened, not reportedlatest stagenot yet

Key facts

consolidated from all reports
15 statements extracted from the articles
  • whatAlexander Smyth was granted a firearms licence for two firearms (irishtimes.com)
  • whatThe hearing ran to about 15 hours (irishtimes.com)
  • whatJudge Mitchell required Smyth to engage in an anger management course within 12 months (irishtimes.com)
  • whatSmyth was required to read How To Win Friends and Influence People and provide a report to Chief Supt Sheridan (irishtimes.com)
  • whatSmyth is a barrister who owns a veterinary practice in Convoy and works as a farmer (irishtimes.com)
  • whatSmyth was given the benefit of the probation act in relation to an assault charge in August 2022 (irishtimes.com)
  • whatThe assault matter is subject to a judicial review in the High Court (irishtimes.com)
  • whatSmyth informed Det Garda O'Sullivan he was a paramedic in Northern Ireland at the time (irishtimes.com)
  • whatSmyth accepted his choice of words to Ms Kelly were inappropriate (irishtimes.com)
  • whatSmyth said he is a Christian, has never taken alcohol or drugs, and has never smoked (irishtimes.com)
  • whatSmyth has acted as chief ambulance officer and member in charge of the Rossnowlagh Twelfth (irishtimes.com)
  • whenThe firearms were handed into gardaí in June 2023 (irishtimes.com)
  • whenIn August 2017, Department of Agriculture inspectors visited Smyth Veterinary Services near Convoy (irishtimes.com)
  • whenAn incident occurred at the veterinary practice on 7 December 2021 involving Jay Ayton and Elaine Kelly (irishtimes.com)
  • courtThe hearing was before Judge Alan Mitchell at Letterkenny District Court (irishtimes.com)

The reporting

newest first
  1. 17 Jan2025
    In courtirishtimes.com, first report
    Donegal barrister seeking firearms licence told to undertake anger management course

    Reports the outcome of a protracted firearms licence hearing, including the conditions imposed and the evidence of prior aggressive behaviour that led to the initial refusal.

    accused, Alexander Smyth, male, named, irish (judged from name)Alexander Smyth