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. 18103Possession of improvised weapons · Co. Longford · 28 Mar 2023

Man given chance to avoid conviction over improvised weapons in Longford

On 28 March 2023, gardaí stopped a red Toyota Yaris driven by John Myers (36) at 4:30pm on Main Street, Longford, and found improvised weapons in the back and boot, including five chimney rods and a broken hurley. Myers was charged with possession of implements at Main Street that day. Reports from February 2024 said he had pleaded guilty to possession of improvised weapons, and the judge adjourned the case to 9 July to allow him to make a €500 payment to the court poor box, with a destruction order issued for the seized items. The latest development is that adjournment, which gives Myers the chance to avoid a conviction.

  1. Reportednot reported
  2. Arrestednot reported
  3. Chargednot reported
  4. In court21 Feb
  5. Verdictnot reported
  6. Sentenced28 Feb
reportedhappened, not reportedlatest stagenot yet

Key facts

consolidated from all reports
What happened
  • Gardaí stopped a red Toyota Yaris driven by John Myers at 4:30pm on Main Street, Longford.
  • The car contained improvised weapons in the back and boot, including five chimney rods and a broken hurley (one source says hurl).
Where
The stop took place on Longford town's Main Street.
When
The incident took place on 28 March 2023.
Cause
The stop came amid escalating tensions arising from a dispute between two parties.
Investigation
Sergeant Enda Daly described the offence to the court.
Charges
John Myers (36), of 97 Ard Lawn Heights, Mullingar, Westmeath, was charged with possession of implements at Main Street, Longford, on 28 March 2023.
In court
  • John Myers pleaded guilty to possession of improvised weapons and had no previous conviction.
  • Others arrested in connection with the incident were dealt with in the Circuit Court.
  • Judge Owens adjourned the case to 9 July to give Myers an opportunity to make a €500 payment to the court poor box, noting he is on social welfare.
Sentence
The judge issued a destruction order for the seized items.
Other details
  • The defence solicitor described the incident as very unfortunate and said Myers had moved from Mullingar to distance himself from troubles.
  • The defence solicitor said Myers was concerned about his sister's welfare, as she was in court that day.
20 statements extracted from the articles
  • whatOfficers stopped a red Toyota Yaris driven by the defendant at 4:30pm on Main Street, Longford. (offalyexpress.ie)
  • whatThe car contained improvised weapons in the back and boot, including five chimney rods and a broken hurl. (offalyexpress.ie)
  • whenGardaí stopped a red Toyota Yaris driven by Myers at 4:30pm on Main Street, Longford. (longfordleader.ie)
  • causeThe car was stopped in the context of escalating tensions arising from a dispute between two parties. (longfordleader.ie, offalyexpress.ie)
  • weaponImprovised weapons were found in the back of the car and in the boot, including five chimney rods and a broken hurley. (longfordleader.ie)
  • chargeMyers was charged with possession of implements at Main Street, Longford, on March 28, 2023. (longfordleader.ie)
  • chargeJohn Myers (36) of 97 Ard Lawn Heights, Mullingar, Westmeath was charged with possession of implements at Main Street, Longford on 28 March 2023. (offalyexpress.ie)
  • courtJohn Myers pleaded guilty to possession of improvised weapons. (longfordleader.ie)
  • courtOthers arrested in connection with the incident were dealt with in the Circuit Court. (longfordleader.ie)
  • courtMyers had no previous conviction. (longfordleader.ie)
  • courtThe judge adjourned the case to July 9 to give Myers an opportunity to make a €500 payment to the court poor box, noting he is on social welfare. (longfordleader.ie)
  • courtOthers arrested at the time in connection with the incident were dealt with in the Circuit Court. (offalyexpress.ie)
  • sentenceThe judge issued a destruction order for the seized items. (longfordleader.ie, offalyexpress.ie)
  • sentenceJudge Owens adjourned the matter to 9 July to give the defendant an opportunity to make a €500 payment to the court poor box. (offalyexpress.ie)
  • otherThe defense solicitor said Myers' sister was in court that day and he was concerned about her welfare. (longfordleader.ie)
  • otherThe solicitor described the incident as very unfortunate and said Myers had moved from Mullingar to distance himself from troubles. (longfordleader.ie)
  • otherMr Myers had no previous conviction. (offalyexpress.ie)
  • otherMyers' sister was in court on the day and he was concerned about her welfare. (offalyexpress.ie)
  • otherThe defendant had moved from Mullingar to distance himself from troubles. (offalyexpress.ie)
  • otherMr Myers is on social welfare. (offalyexpress.ie)

The reporting

newest first
  1. 28 Feb2024
    Sentencedoffalyexpress.ie, first report
    Gardaí in the Midlands find broken hurl among improvised weapons in boot of car

    Court hearing at which Myers pleaded guilty; judge adjourned to July 9 for conditional payment and issued destruction order for seized items.

    accused, John Myers, 36, male, named, irish (judged from name)John Myers
  2. 21 Feb2024
    In courtlongfordleader.ie, follow-up
    Longford gardaí find broken hurley among improvised weapons in boot of car

    Reports the guilty plea, the judge's adjournment to July 9 for a €500 poor box payment, and the destruction order for the seized items. It also gives the court's account of the stop and the defendant's circumstances.

    accused, John Myers, 36, male, named, irish (judged from name)John Myers