A Buncrana man who allegedly had knives in his possession when he was stopped by the guards last year has appeared in court.
Taylor Flannery, of Linsfort, Buncrana, faced a charge of being in “possession of knives and other articles” when he appeared at Buncrana District Court.
The charge relates to an incident at Lower Main Street, Buncrana on November 21, 2024, when Gardai allegedly found the implements in the 31-year-old’s possession in a car.
Garda Inspector Sean McDaid told the court that the DPP had directed ‘summary disposal’ at the District Court level in the case.
Before accepting jurisdiction, however, Judge Eiteain Cunningham queried the circumstances.
“Was the knife wielded? What was the situation with regard to that?” she asked.
Inspector McDaid told the judge that Mr Flannery was stopped in a car and the knives were found in his possession, but they were not produced.
Mr Flannery appeared in court without legal representation, but he told the judge, when asked, that he “wouldn’t mind getting a solicitor.”
There was some confusion as to whether or not Mr Flannery would be entitled to free Legal Aid.
He had initially informed the judge that he was working 35 hours per week, but then said he was on disability allowance and probably wouldn’t be able to afford a solicitor. Mr Flannery added, “Don’t worry, they know all about it,” meaning the guards.
Judge Cunningham said she would put the case back for two months to allow for a statement of means to be filed – and she directed that any statements with regard to the evidence be sent directly to Mr Flannery at this stage.
“You can address the court then in terms of your means, and the court will assess whether or not you’re eligible for Legal Aid – and if that’s the case, they’ll appoint a solicitor at that stage,” the judge explained.
The case was adjourned until September 11 next for a Legal Aid application.
It is not yet known whether Mr Flannery will enter a plea or deny the charge on that date.