Unauthorised firearm holder harassed man in Laois

A man appeared in court accused of possessing an unauthorised firearm and harassment. 

James Delaney (40) of Derrynaseera, Coolrain, Mountrath, had pleaded guilty to the unauthorised possession of an under and over 12 gauge double barrel shotgun and harassment at The Rock, Mountrath on December 2, 2024. 

Solicitor Barry Fitzgerald said the defendant had entered a guilty plea and a probation report and restorative justice report were before the court. 

Garda Sergeant JJ Kirby said the man “sent threatening messages, basically a video of himself loading a firearm” to a man.  

“The injured party doesn’t want to make a victim impact statement but would like a letter of apology from Mr Delaney to him and his daughter”, said Sgt Kirby. 

Mr Fitzgerald said “the gun in question was actually decommissioned” and was intended to be “used as a shield” and not a “sword”. He said the probation report indicated that his client was at the low risk of reoffending. 

“He has taken full responsibility for the possession of the unauthorised firearm”, said Mr Fitzgerald. 

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“He has €300 in court and he can get a letter of apology if you want to adjourn it for completion”, Mr Fitzgerald told Judge Susan Fay. 

Judge Fay said the €300 was to be donated to the Portlaoise Garda community bus initiative in Portlaoise. She adjourned the case to April 20 for finalisation.