Brothers Denied Bail After Alleged Firearms Offences in Cork

UPDATE: Two brothers from Ireland, Gary Walsh, aged 40, and Damien Walsh, aged 32, have been denied bail following serious firearms charges at a special sitting of Mallow District Court in Co Cork on Friday. This urgent development raises alarming concerns over the alleged distribution and sourcing of illegal firearms.

The brothers face multiple charges, including possession of a .22 Calibre Long Rifle and a 3D Printed Harlot Pistol, along with five rounds of .22 Calibre Long Rifle ammunition. The alleged offences occurred on August 20 in Rathgoggin South, Charleville, where Gardaí reported a significant find during a vehicle search on Wednesday night.

Detective Garda James McCarthy testified that a loaded 3D printed handgun was discovered in the space between the seats of the Opel Corsa driven by Gary Walsh. The court learned that video evidence and WhatsApp voice recordings on the accused’s phone could link Gary Walsh to firearms supply. These recordings allegedly feature discussions about the sourcing of guns, including a tattooed individual handling the firearm, which matched a tattoo on Gary Walsh’s hand.

In a dramatic turn, Gardaí claim that Damien Walsh was present during these discussions, intensifying the gravity of the charges. Defence solicitor, Joe Cuddigan, firmly denied any implication that Damien Walsh was involved, stating, “My client says he was not a party to any discussion about the supply of firearms to anyone.”

Judge Monica Leech expressed serious concerns regarding the nature of the allegations, leading her to deny bail for both brothers. “The seriousness of the charges warrants this decision,” she stated, remanding them in custody until their next appearance at Mallow District Court on Tuesday. The brothers are expected to appear via video link for the vacation sitting.

This case highlights growing concerns over gun violence and illegal firearms in Ireland. The implications of this situation extend beyond the courtroom, raising questions about public safety and law enforcement’s ability to address these threats.

As this story develops, more details are expected to emerge about the evidence against the Walsh brothers and the ongoing investigation by Gardaí. Stay tuned for the latest updates on this critical case.