Courts / Dublin / Report
Mum who said she had gun for self protection is jailed
Summary
Niamh Fitzpatrick, 39, was sentenced to five years in prison with the final two years suspended, following a guilty plea at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court for possessing a Smith & Wesson revolver in an air vent at her home on 23 February 2017. The judge, Melanie Greally, found her explanation for how she acquired the gun uncredible and noted her 21 prior convictions, mainly minor traffic offences, and her history of heroin addiction and mental health issues. Fitzpatrick claimed the firearm was for self‑protection after a threat on her life, a claim the judge said did not stand up to scrutiny. She was ordered to remain under 18 months of probation supervision upon release. The case involved a search that seized the gun, heroin, mobile phones and €4,200 in drugs, with Fitzpatrick admitting possession of heroin and the gun during the interview.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Mum who said she had gun for self protection is jailed. Charges or matters: possessing a Smith & Wesson revolver in an air vent at her home on February 23, 2017. Procedural stage: sentence
When:
- February 23, 2017 Incident
- 2018-07-04 Publication
Why: Credit: Collins) By Aoife Nic Ardghail and Sonya McLean A Dublin mother who told gardaí she had a gun for self protection because of a threat on her life has been sentenced to five years with the final two years suspended. CNI source report
Case subjects
Convicted Person
Charges: possessing a Smith & Wesson revolver in an air vent at her home on February 23, 2017 (Admitted)
Plea: Guilty
Outcome: Credit: Collins) By Aoife Nic Ardghail and Sonya McLean A Dublin mother who told gardaí she had a gun for self protection because of a threat on her life has been sentenced to five years with the final two years suspended. Judge Greally sentenced Fitzpatrick to five years in prison and suspended the final two years on condition that she remain under 18 months of probation supervision on her ultimate release from prison.
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