Mother and Cancer Survivor Sentenced for Storing Weapons

A court in Dublin has sentenced **Sarah Jane Byrne**, a 37-year-old mother and cancer survivor, to four years in prison after she was found with a cache of weapons concealed in her home. The **Special Criminal Court** handed down the sentence on March 25, 2025, emphasizing the need for community protection from the dangers posed by firearms.

Byrne’s legal team had argued for a lenient sentence, noting her difficult personal circumstances including mental health issues, a history of addiction, and past experiences of domestic abuse. However, **Ms Justice Karen O’Connor** stressed the importance of deterrence and the serious implications of possessing such weapons. She remarked on the potential harm these firearms could inflict on communities, which are often plagued by violence and intimidation.

On **February 16, 2022**, police conducted an operation that led to Byrne’s arrest. Officers from the **Emergency Response Unit** stopped a car driven by **Jamie Moss**, 22, in **Blanchardstown**. In the passenger footwell, they discovered a **Makarov pistol** loaded with ammunition. A subsequent search of Byrne’s residence revealed additional weapons, including a submachine gun and a shotgun, hidden under the stairs and in her bedroom.

The court noted that Byrne’s DNA was found on the packaging of the firearms, which included significant ammunition. The judge highlighted the aggravating factors associated with the case, particularly the types of weapons involved and their potential for destruction.

In her defense, Byrne’s counsel, **Michael Bowman SC**, emphasized her cooperation with authorities and her efforts at rehabilitation following her arrest. The court acknowledged Byrne’s challenges, including a long-standing drug addiction and the impact of her abusive relationship. Despite these factors, the judge maintained that the severity of the crime necessitated a substantial sentence.

The court ultimately set a headline sentence of seven years and six months for Byrne’s possession of the pistol and ammunition. Taking into account her guilty plea and mitigating circumstances, the judge imposed a reduced sentence of four years. For the possession of the shotgun and submachine gun, Byrne received a sentence of four years and four months, with the last twelve months suspended, allowing both sentences to run concurrently.

Byrne’s case serves as a stark reminder of the complexities surrounding crime, addiction, and the impact of personal circumstances on legal outcomes. As she begins her sentence, the community remains vigilant about the implications of weapon possession and the importance of maintaining public safety.