Farmer charged with possession of submachine gun and three semi-automatic rifles

An Inishowen farmer accused of having drugs worth more than €13,000 has been further charged with serious weapons offences, including unlawful possession of a submachine gun, three semi-automatic rifles, a shotgun and an illegal cache of ammunition.

Ivan Peoples, of Carrowreagh, Bridgend, was charged with fourteen weapons offences at Buncrana District Court. The 46-year-old stood at the back of the courtroom and did not have an opportunity to speak during the proceedings.

Detective Sergeant Killian Callaghan gave evidence of having arrested Mr Peoples, who made no reply to each of the charges.

The court heard how he now faces a total of sixteen charges, including alleged weapons and drugs offences, and the DPP has consented to the accused being sent forward to the Circuit Court for trial later this year.

Det Sgt Callaghan said the DPP has also consented to Mr Peoples going forward to the Circuit Court on a signed guilty plea, however defence solicitor Rory O’Brien told Judge Emile Daly that “there will absolutely not be a signed plea of guilty in this matter”.

Details of the weapons charges, which follow a search of Mr Peoples’ property at Carrowreagh, Bridgend, on September 19, 2024, were revealed in court.

He is charged with possession of a firearm, a .32 ACP calibre Cz make Skorpion Vz 61 submachine gun, in such circumstances as to give rise to a reasonable inference that he had not got it in his possession for a lawful purpose. The charge is contrary to Section 27A(1) of the Firearms Act.

He is also accused of unlawful possession of three semi-automatic weapons, namely, .222 Remington calibre ‘Sako’ branded semi-automatic rifles, contrary to Section 27A(1) of the Firearms Act.

Mr Peoples is further charged with possession of a Harrington and Richardson shotgun and 12-gauge shotgun cartridges without an authorised firearms certificate, contrary to Section 2 of the Firearms Act.

The Bridgend man also faces a series of ammunition charges, including unlawful possession of a silencer, two magazines for use in a 7.62 x 39mm calibre firearm such as an AK47, and a magazine suitable for use in a .32 ACP calibre Cz make Skorpion submachine gun.

He is further charged with possession of two magazines suitable for use in .222 Remington calibre ‘Sako’ branded semi-automatic rifles, and possession of 42 Remington calibre rounds.

Additionally, he is charged with possession of cannabis worth more than €13,000 for sale or supply, contrary to Section 15A of the Misuse of Drugs Act, and possession of cannabis contrary to Section 3 of the same act.

The case was adjourned until May 14 for service of the Book of Evidence, while Legal Aid was granted to Mr O’Brien, “given the gravity of the charges” faced by his client.

“These are very serious allegations,” the solicitor said.

Mr Peoples was released on continuing bail until then, and he must adhere to a number of strict conditions. He has already surrendered his passport and must be available 24/7 for contact by gardai on a mobile phone, which must remain switched on at all times.

He is not to commit any offence, and remain of sober habits, while also signing on each Saturday at Buncrana Garda Station between the hours of 9am and 9pm.

Mr Peoples has also been ordered to reside at Carrowreagh, Bridgend, with any change of residence, including temporary changes for work, to be notified to the Gardai in advance.

Separately, a number of road traffic matters against the defendant were adjourned to April 9.