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Firearms suspect arrested after "Crimecall" episode avoids jail
Summary
John Walsh, 45, was arrested after CCTV footage from a Spar shop in Dublin was shown on the RTE programme Crimecall. The footage showed him holding a realistic imitation firearm, later identified as a pellet gun resembling a semi‑automatic pistol. Walsh had been waiting for Gardaí at his home when they arrived and had previously cut his hair to change his appearance. He pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to possession of a realistic imitation firearm. Judge Martin Nolan remanded him in custody and later handed down a suspended three‑year sentence, warning that a further offence could lead to imprisonment. Walsh admitted the gun was for his own protection, was intoxicated at the time, and expressed remorse. He has since ceased drug use and intends to attend a residential treatment programme. The shop received a letter of apology from Walsh.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Firearms suspect arrested after "Crimecall" episode avoids jail. Charges or matters: possession of a realistic imitation firearm at Spar, Thomas Street on September 1, 2016. Procedural stage: sentence
When:
- September 1, 2016 Adjournment
- 2018-04-27 Publication
Case subjects
Defendant
Charges: possession of a realistic imitation firearm at Spar, Thomas Street on September 1, 2016 (Admitted)
Plea: Guilty
Outcome: Today he handed down a suspended three year sentence. "If you get in trouble again, there is every possibility you will go to jail for three years," Judge Nolan told Walsh.; Judge Martin Nolan remanded Walsh in custody last Monday, saying: "This is a very serious crime.
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