Courts / Dublin / Report
Man who fired shotgun in local park spared jail
Summary
Patrick Duff, 49, was arrested after firing a sawn‑off shotgun in a Dublin park. He was wearing white latex gloves and had the gun hidden in his jeans when Gardaí stopped him. Duff was aggressive, struggled with officers and head‑butted one. He claimed to be an IRA member, saying he had fired test shots when no one was around, and that he was suicidal. He pleaded guilty to possession of a firearm on Ballyfermot Parade. The court noted his history of severe depression and limited prior convictions. Judge Melanie Greally suspended a three‑year prison term, requiring Duff to attend an addiction response programme and abstain from alcohol. Duff admitted he was likely intoxicated and had paid €500 for the gun. He had two earlier convictions from 1981 and 1987. The case was adjourned for further investigation into his suicidal claim.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Man who fired shotgun in local park spared jail. Charges or matters: possession of a firearm on Ballyfermot Parade on February 5, 2015. Procedural stage: hearing_or_decision
When:
- February 5, 2015 Incident
- August 2014 Hearing Or Sentence
- 1981 and 1987 Other
- 2016-06-14 Publication
Why: Duff said the gloves were in the bag with the weapon and he just put them on because he wasn't thinking. CNI source report
Case subjects
Defendant
Charges: possession of a firearm on Ballyfermot Parade on February 5, 2015 (Admitted)
Plea: Guilty
Outcome: The Probation Service had previously asked for the case to be adjourned to allow officers there to investigate Duff's claim that he was suicidal that day.
Places mentioned
Topics
Firearms Stage Hearing Or Decision
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