Trial delayed for three young men in ‘dark web' guns case
The trio are charged with possession of a G3 Heckler and Kock machine gun, a Remmington M1911 handgun and two types of ammunition at Ponsonby Bridge, Straffan, Co Kildare on March 2, 2024
Daniel Quinn Burke (far left) and Shane Kinsella (far right)
A case against three young men – arrested in connection with the seizure of a cache of firearms allegedly purchased via the dark web – has been adjourned for a further month to allow for the completion of a book of evidence
Evan Fitzgerald (21) of Portrushen, Kiltegan, Co Wicklow; Shane Kinsella (20) of Tynock Kiltegan, Co Wicklow and Daniel Quinn Burke (19) of Allendale Lawn, Baltinglass, Co Wicklow appeared before Judge Desmond Zaidan at Naas District Court on Wednesday.
All three consented to an adjournment of one month sought by the state.
Daniel Quinn Burke (far left) and Shane Kinsella (far right)
News in 90 seconds - 10th May 2025
The trio are charged with possession of a G3 Heckler and Kock machine gun, a Remmington M1911 handgun and two types of ammunition at Ponsonby Bridge, Straffan, Co Kildare on March 2nd 2024.
No evidence was heard at Wednesday's sitting.
When the men appeared previously, Detective Gavin Curran of the National Drugs and Organised Crime Bureau gave evidence that the bureau had been investigating firearms trafficking and performed a controlled stop of a vehicle at Ponsonby Bridge with support from the Emergency Response Unit.
Detective Curran said it was alleged the firearms and ammunition were purchased on the dark web with Mr. Fitzgerald using a proton email account.
The court was told Mr Fitzgerald had made full admissions and Det Curran said it was not believed the firearms were connected with organised crime and the defendants were not part of an organised crime group.
Det Curran said it was alleged the guns were to be used for shooting in woods but not for hunting.
'Mr Fitzgerald has a fascination with firearms. He is big time into firearms,' said Det Curran.
At that sitting, the court was told investigations were ongoing into who sold the guns.
The court was told the three co-accused were childhood friends.
Mr Fitzgerald worked at a steel yard while Mr Quinn Burke was an apprentice mechanic and Mr Kinsella was a student at SETU Carlow studying mechanical engineering.
The court was told Mr Quinn Burke had driven the car and he and Mr Kinsella had known what was being carried in the vehicle.
Gardaí had initially objected to bail but withdrew the application on the basis of strict conditions being imposed.
These included the defendants surrender their passports, do not speak to each other and sign on daily at a Garda station.
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