A driver who told gardai that he had been using a large butcher’s knife in his car as a “makeshift screwdriver” for fixing the windscreen wipers has been fined €150.
Adam Printo (26), of Sundale Villas, Jobstown, Tallaght, Dublin 24, appeared before Tallaght District Court, where he entered a guilty plea to a charge under Section 9 of the Firearms and Offensive Weapons Act.
The court heard that on October 20th, 2023, Garda Niall McGahern stopped a car on Whitestown Way, Tallaght, after noticing the driver acting suspiciously while stopped at traffic lights.
When questioned by gardaí, Printo produced a large butcher’s knife from inside the car but was unable to explain why he had it.
The court heard he was arrested and taken to Tallaght Garda Station, where a small amount of cannabis was also found on him.
Defence counsel, Lauren Flanagan BL, told the court that her client had been using the knife as a makeshift screwdriver earlier that day to fix the windscreen wipers. She added that her client was employed full-time in a warehouse, earning around €500 a week, and has no previous convictions or history of addiction.
Ms Flanagan also highlighted that the car was in poor condition, a claim not disputed by Garda McGahern.
The knife was presented in court as evidence in a plastic bag.
Judge William Aylmer convicted Printo and imposed a €150 fine, giving him three months to pay. Printo was informed of his right to appeal.