Ice cream man found with a knuckleduster for ‘protection’
By Brendan Grehan
AN ICE cream man who had a knuckleduster, a claw hammer and a baseball bat for “his own protection” received a four-month suspended sentence in Blanchardstown Court.
Judge David McHugh made a destruction order for Gareth Cahill’s three weapons.
Cahill, aged 38, with an address at Ballyneety Road, Ballyfermot, pleaded guilty to possession of a baseball bat, knuckleduster and a claw hammer at Coldcut Road, Clondalkin, on August 6, 2017.
Garda Derek McGuinness told the court that he was on mobile patrol on Coldcut Road at 11.45pm on the above date when he stopped Cahill driving a Renault Megane.
The garda said he spoke to the defendant and saw that Cahill had a baseball bat hidden under clothing on the passenger seat.
The car was searched and a claw hammer was found in the boot and a knuckleduster was uncovered in the centre console.
Gda McGuinness said Cahill had 29 previous convictions but the most recent was from 2011.
Cahill’s solicitor Anarine McAllister said her client had co-operated fully with gardai, and had provided them with a voluntary interview.
She said that Cahill had the items “for his own protection”.
Ms McAllister said this was not an excuse but an explanation for having the items.
Ms McAllister told the court that Cahill was single and had a young child.
He had no history with drink or drugs, she said.
Ms McAllister also told the court that Cahill had set up a business selling ice cream.
Judge McHugh sentenced Cahill to four months jail and suspended the sentence for 18 months.
