Saturday 31 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. 18275Firearms offences; ammunition offences; cannabis cultivation · Co. Longford · 6 Jul 2022

Longford man charged with firearms and cannabis offences appears in court

David Farrelly (38) of 1 Castle House, Newtownforbes, Longford, was charged over events on July 6, 2022, after gardaí searched his home under warrant following the delivery of a package containing empty 9mm shell casings. He was charged with cultivating cannabis, possessing ammunition and component parts of a firearm without a firearms certificate, and importing 510 9mm calibre discharge cases into the State without a licence. He appeared before District Court Judge Bernadette Owens, a case reported on February 14, 2024, and the court directed a probation report and risk assessment and adjourned the matter to June 18. No sentence has been reported, and Probation Services will assess whether he is suitable for community service.

  1. Reportednot reported
  2. Arrestednot reported
  3. Chargednot reported
  4. In court14 Feb
    2 reports
  5. Verdict
  6. Sentenced
reportedhappened, not reportedlatest stagenot yet

Key facts

consolidated from all reports
Where
The home is at 1 Castle House, Newtownforbes, Longford.
Cause
A delivery company or courier delivered a package containing empty 9mm shell casings.
Investigation
  • Gardaí searched the accused's home under warrant.
  • The forensic science lab found tools and parts for building a semi-automatic firearm, while the defence said the components were not assembled.
Charges
  • He was charged with cultivating cannabis at 1 Castle House, Newtownforbes, on July 6, 2022.
  • He was charged with possessing ammunition without a firearms certificate and possessing component parts of a firearm.
  • He was charged with importing 510 9mm calibre discharge cases into the State without a licence.
Other details
  • The search also found two immature cannabis cuttings and electrostatic netting in his bedroom.
  • The accused made full admissions and had four previous convictions, including drunk driving, criminal damage and trespass.
  • The solicitor said the accused believed the end of the world was approaching.
In court
  • He appeared before District Court Judge Bernadette Owens, a court appearance reported on February 14, 2024.
  • The judge said a risk assessment was needed and directed a probation report, and the matter was adjourned to June 18.
Sentence
No sentence has been reported, and Probation Services will assess whether he is suitable for community service.
29 statements extracted from the articles
  • whereThe home is at 1 Castle House, Newtownforbes, Longford. (offalyexpress.ie)
  • whenThe charges relate to events on July 6, 2022. (offalyexpress.ie)
  • causeThe matter came to light when a delivery company delivered a package containing empty 9mm shell casings. (longfordleader.ie)
  • causeThe matter came to light when a courier delivered a package containing empty 9mm shell casings. (offalyexpress.ie)
  • investigationGardaí searched the accused's home under warrant. (longfordleader.ie)
  • investigationForensic examination found the items were tools and parts for building a semi-automatic firearm. (longfordleader.ie)
  • investigationGardaí obtained a warrant and searched the accused's home. (offalyexpress.ie)
  • investigationForensic science lab determined the items were tools and parts for building a semi-automatic firearm. (offalyexpress.ie)
  • chargeHe was charged with cultivating cannabis on July 6, 2022 at 1 Castle House, Newtownforbes. (longfordleader.ie)
  • chargeHe was charged with possessing ammunition without a firearms certificate. (longfordleader.ie)
  • chargeHe was charged with possessing component parts of a firearm. (longfordleader.ie)
  • chargeHe was charged with importing 510 9mm calibre discharge cases into the State without a licence. (longfordleader.ie)
  • chargeThe accused was charged with cultivating cannabis. (offalyexpress.ie)
  • chargeThe accused was charged with possession of ammunition without a firearms certificate. (offalyexpress.ie)
  • chargeThe accused was charged with possession of the component parts of a firearm. (offalyexpress.ie)
  • chargeThe accused was charged with importing ammunition into the State without a licence. (offalyexpress.ie)
  • courtThe solicitor said the accused believed the end of the world was approaching. (longfordleader.ie)
  • courtThe solicitor suggested the accused was a good candidate for a probation report. (longfordleader.ie)
  • courtThe judge said the court needed a risk assessment and directed a probation report. (longfordleader.ie)
  • courtThe accused appeared before District Court Judge Bernadette Owens. (offalyexpress.ie)
  • courtThe court adjourned the matter to June 18 and directed a probation report. (offalyexpress.ie)
  • sentenceThe accused will be assessed by Probation Services to see if he is suitable for community service. (offalyexpress.ie)
  • otherThe search also found two immature cannabis cuttings. (longfordleader.ie)
  • otherThe accused made full admissions. (longfordleader.ie, offalyexpress.ie)
  • otherThe accused had four previous convictions, including drunk driving, criminal damage and trespass. (longfordleader.ie, offalyexpress.ie)
  • otherThe accused had set up electrostatic netting in his bedroom. (longfordleader.ie)
  • otherThe search also found two immature cannabis plant cuttings. (offalyexpress.ie)
  • otherThe defence said the accused believed the end of the world was approaching. (offalyexpress.ie)
  • otherThe defence said the components of the weapon were not assembled. (offalyexpress.ie)

The reporting

newest first
  1. 15 Feb2024
    In courtoffalyexpress.ie, first report
    Man in the Midlands preparing for the end of the world appears in court on firearm charges

    First report of this court case. It gives the charges, the search and forensic findings, the defence account, and the adjournment for a probation report.

    accused, David Farrelly, 38, male, named, irish (judged from name)David Farrelly
  2. 14 Feb2024
    In courtlongfordleader.ie, follow-up
    Longford man taking steps to prepare for end of the world in court on firearm charges

    Court appearance reported on 14 February 2024: the accused made full admissions, the court directed a probation report and risk assessment, and the matter was adjourned to June 18. No sentence is reported.

    accused, David Farrelly, 38, male, named, irish (judged from name)David Farrelly