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Bessbrook man accused of litany of firearm offences to face Crown Court in New Year

He faces 10 charges relating to firearms and ammunition

Newry Courthouse

A Bessbrook man who is accused of a litany of offences relating to firearms and ammunition will face Crown Court proceedings in the New Year.

The 35-year-old is alleged to have been in possession of the various items on March 15, 2019.

Michael Gerald Drummond, of Orior Park, appeared facing 10 charges relating to firearms and ammunition at Newry Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday.

The accused is charged with two counts of possessing a handgun without a certificate, possessing a firearm without a certificate, two counts of possession of ammunition without a certificate and five counts of possession of a firearm or ammunition in suspicious circumstances.

As the charges were read, it was heard that all of the offences were alleged to have occurred on March 15, 2019.

The firearms which Drummond is alleged to have had in his possession were named in court as a Glock 10mm auto-calibre pistol and a Colt Mark IV Series 80.

Appearing in court, the defendant made no objection to the holding of a preliminary enquiry.

Prosecution submitted that based on the papers before the court there was a prima facie case to answer.

Defence barrister Michael Forde made no contrary submissions.

District Judge Eamon King said that he was satisfied there was a prima facie case to answer.

Drummond was released on continuing bail to appear before Newry Crown Court on January 26 for arraignment.

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