Garda gives ballistics evidence in firearms trial

Today ballistics expert, Det Garda Patrick Ennis, told the jury that he examined a number of firearms seized in a garda raid on 104 Lally Road, Ballyfermot, in Dublin on 17 February 2000 and another found separately in Clondlalkin, Dublin.

Det Garda Ennis said in his opinion, a shotgun cartridge was discharged from one of the shotguns as it was being put beneath the floor of the shed at Lally Road. He said three used cartridges and mono wads found in the back garden of 104 Lally Road were consistent with shots having been discharged from the weapons.

It is the State’s case that two of the guns were stolen in a burglary on a house in Drumraney,Co Westmeath by Athlone-based criminals in October 1 1999 and brought to Ballyfermot where they were exchanged for heroin. The State contends that three guns found at Lally Road and another found sticking out of a hedge on the Old Nangor Road Clondalkin were under the control of the

accused at the material dates.

The accused, who is defending himself, has informed the jury that he was charged with the murders of Darren Carey and Patrick Murray on dates between 28 December 1999 and 10 January 2000.

The two men were shot in the head and their bodies recovered from the Grand Canal at Karneystown, Co Kildare on 9 and 10 January 2000. The accused has also informed the jury that

the DPP dropped the murder charges on the day the trial was due to begin and he was re-arraigned on firearms charges.

Mark Desmond (aged 27) formerly of Lally Road, Ballyfermot, has pleaded not guilty to unlawful possession of three shotguns, one long rifle and one 12-gauge shotgun cartridge with intent to endanger life between October 11999 and 17 February 2000 at Lally Road, Ballyfermot.

The trial continues on Monday.