Ardee Man Charged in Firearms Seizure Granted Bail Under Strict Conditions
Ardee News and Sport — Conor O’Brien, a 27-year-old from Kilpatrick, Ardee, has been granted bail set at €115,000 after being charged in connection with the seizure of components for 18 semi-automatic firearms and over 900 rounds of ammunition in County Louth. O’Brien and co-defendant Mark McCourt, 33, from Edencrieve, Co. Down, were arrested on July 19 by the Garda National Drugs and Organised Crime Bureau and face 23 charges each for possession of gun parts and ammunition.
The discovery, made in a shed on John Street, Blackstick, Ardee, included six semi-automatic assault rifle parts, 12 semi-automatic pistol parts, 904 rounds of ammunition, and a silencer. O’Brien allegedly rented the property where the cache was found.
While McCourt remains in custody without applying for bail, O’Brien made his application in the High Court at Cloverhill, where Detective Garda Suzanne Lyons cited concerns over the seriousness of the case and O’Brien’s potential flight risk. O’Brien, who holds dual Irish-US citizenship, has no previous criminal convictions and had his travel documents seized.
Despite objections, Mr. Justice Kerida Naidoo granted bail with stringent conditions. O’Brien must post a personal bond of €40,000 with a €75,000 independent surety. He is required to follow a strict 9 pm – 9 am curfew, sign in daily at the garda station, and refrain from leaving the state or applying for new travel documents. He is also prohibited from contacting McCourt. O’Brien will reside at his father’s home, who must notify gardaí of any breaches of these conditions.