This article is from page 16 of the 2013-03-26 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 16 JPG
A CZECH man was carrying a concealed knife for his own protection when he was stopped by gardaí in an Ennis estate, a court has heard.
Milan Torac (22) was discovered with a four-inch knife by gardaí in Dun na hInse, Lahinch Road, Ennis on Jnauary 29 (2013).
Mr Torac, with an address at 7 Dun na hInse, Ennis, appeared before Ennis District Court on Wednesday.
He pleaded guilty to a charge of having a knife or a blade that was sharply pointed contrary to the firearms and offensive weapons act.
Inspector John Galvin told the court that gardaí found a small knife concealed in a canvas holder inside Mr Torac’s belt.
Insp Galvin said, “He said he kept it for his own protection.”
The accused has no previous convictions, the court heard.
Defence solicitor Billy Loughnane told the court that his client is an unemployed mechanic from the Czech Republic who has lived in Ireland for two years. Mr Loughnane said his client would say that the carrying of knifes in the Czech Republic is not uncommon.
He added, “There is no suggestion he had it for a sinister intent. Thankfully the knife has been confiscated”
Judge Patrick Durcan said he was concerned by the case. He said a dangerous situation could arise if Mr Torac had been carrying a knife with him while out drinking.
He added, “I am particularly conscious of how dangerous these weapons can be and I think every Judge is conscious them.”
Judge Durcan adjourned the case for a brief period to allow him to consider sentence. When the case resumed, Judge Durcan said he needed more time to consider the case. He remanded Mr Torac on continuing bail to appear again at Ennis District Court on March 27.
“This is an indication of how serious I consider this case,” he added.
Judge Durcan also requested to see the knife taken from the accused.