Sunday 1 November 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. 22604Firearms/ammunition offence (unlicensed ammunition factory)

Man found with 'ammunition factory' avoids prison term

A man was found by Gardaí in possession of what was described as an 'ammunition factory' and avoided a prison term at court.

  1. Reportednot reported
  2. Arrestednot reported
  3. Chargednot reported
  4. In courtnot reported
  5. Verdictnot reported
  6. Sentenced30 Jan
    2 reports
reportedhappened, not reportedlatest stagenot yet

Key facts

consolidated from all reports
14 statements extracted from the articles
  • whatGavin Blanchfield, 40, of Castletymon Court, Tallaght, Dublin 24, pleaded guilty to eight counts of possession of ammunition, bullet heads, cartridges, gunpowder and primers without holding the correct firearm certification. (thejournal.ie)
  • whatHe had been selling untraceable ammunition to third parties on the internet. (thejournal.ie)
  • whatFirearms were found at the home; Blanchfield held certificates for the firearms but did not have the required licence for the ammunition recovered. (thejournal.ie)
  • whatA total of 9.99kg of gunpowder and equipment to manufacture bullets were seized. (thejournal.ie)
  • whatA man was found by Gardaí (extra.ie)
  • whatThe man was found with what was described as an 'ammunition factory' (extra.ie)
  • whenThe items were found at his home in Tallaght on 20 July 2019. (thejournal.ie)
  • investigationA search warrant was also granted for a gun club where Blanchfield was a member, and a black box containing ammunition was handed over by the manager. (thejournal.ie)
  • courtOisín Clarke BL was defending Blanchfield. (thejournal.ie)
  • sentenceHe was given a six-year sentence which was suspended in full. (thejournal.ie)
  • sentenceJudge Nolan ordered the forfeiture and destruction of all the items. (thejournal.ie)
  • sentenceThe man avoided a prison term (extra.ie)
  • otherBlanchfield had no previous convictions. (thejournal.ie)
  • otherBlanchfield lost his corporate job as a result of the case. (thejournal.ie)

The reporting

newest first
  1. 31 Jan2023
    Sentencedextra.ie, first report
    Man Found By Gardaí With 'Ammunition Factory' Avoids Prison Term

    Article body contains only website template code (InstantSearch widget configuration); no substantive details beyond the headline are available.

    convicted, male
  2. 30 Jan2023
    Sentencedthejournal.ie, first report
    Gun enthusiast found with 'ammunition factory' of bullet heads, cartridges and gunpowder

    Sentencing report: Blanchfield received a six-year sentence suspended in full, with forfeiture and destruction of all seized items. Judge Nolan noted the decision to avoid imprisonment was a 'close run thing' and credited Blanchfield's lack of previous convictions and good mitigation.

    convicted, Gavin Blanchfield, 40, male, named, irish (judged from name)Gavin Blanchfield