A grandfather intercepted carrying a "lethal" sawn-off pump action shotgun during a heightened family feud in Mullingar is to be jailed for a year. The seizure, which followed a dramatic car chase, unfolded in a packed area where crowds were heading to Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann events in the Co Westmeath town last year. Today, Judge Keenan Johnson praised gardai for their "pre-emptive actions" in catching John Nevin, 55, and his 33-year-old son David.
READ MORE - Two men in court charged with possession of a semi automatic pistol and ammunition READ MORE - Criminal who emptied 'contents of pistol' into grandfather at front door jailed as family brand him 'murdering rat' He said he "shuddered to think" about the havoc that could have been caused by the weapon, originally stolen in a burglary in Athenry, Co Galway 20 years ago. Imposing sentence today, Judge Johnson noted that they were deemed by the Probation Service to be at moderate risk of reoffending. The pair had brought €15,000 to court , which the judge ordered must be awarded to an assault victim in an unrelated case.
Judge Johnson heard that John Nevin, who had procured the illegal firearm, had claimed he feared his mother’s house would be subject to arson and his son David, who represented Ireland in boxing as a youth, wanted to protect his father and not cause harm. The judge remarked that this logic did not add up, and people carrying guns tended to use them, intentionally or otherwise. Father and son stood s.
