A Co Armagh father and son, accused of amassing a significant arsenal of firearms “right under the noses of police” in Crossmaglen, have both been granted bail.
Danny O’Callaghan (59) from Monog Road, Crossmaglen and Joseph Anthony O’Callaghan (32) from Hillcrest Way, Bessbrook are jointly charged with possessing ammunition and explosives consisting of 50 calibre and hollow point rounds, .380 inch black cartridges and self-loading or pump-action smooth bore rifle and a pistol.
It is further alleged a smoothbore revolver firearm other than one chambered for 9mm. rimfire cartridges or a muzzle-loading firearm and a blank firing revolver.
There are also charges of having nine firearms and ammunition in suspicious circumstances, with intent to endanger life or cause serious injury and without a Firearms Certificate, with intent to endanger life
Detective Inspector Sweeney told Newry Magistrates’ Court the charges could be connected.
He explained on October 30, 2023 and intelligence-led search was carried out on a professionally built hide on land owned by Danny O’Callaghan.
This contained a large container set into concrete and covered with rubble and a stone slab.
When opened “an arsenal of weaponry” was discovered.
Inspector Sweeney said: “This included two saw-off shotguns and a Glock (handgun) which had been adapted to allow for automatic fire allowing repeated shooting when the trigger is pulled once. There were in excess of 2000 rounds of ammunition. The firearms were in individual bags marked such as ‘Glock plus kit’ containing gloves and balaclavas.”
The arrest came about when a forensic link to firearms cache was discovered including a full DNA profile for Joseph O’Callaghan on the grip of the adapted Glock.
Partial DNA linked to Danny O’Callaghan was located on a glove in a bag containing a revolver.
The inspector said: “The hide was sophisticated and professional work was used in its construction on Danny O’Callaghan’s land. He has a CCTV system with a camera looking directly onto the entrance of the hide. There is nothing else of note in the surrounding area.”
A search of his house the month before the firearms were recovered Cartridge Discharge Residue on a balaclava although this is not linked to the seizure.
The court heard that “neither accused provided any account or explanation and refused to answer all questions”.
Objecting to bail, the inspector pointed to potential harm to others, as “all weapons are lethal but the assault rifle and a modified Glock can only be intended to cause serious harm and death”.
He added: “They were packed like individual grab-bags. This is a sophisticated organised crime gang to have accumulated this level of firearms and they have done that under the noses of police. We did not know it was there. They have been able to amass this arsenal without us being able to stop or be aware of it. If released they would have no difficulties getting more weapons and we do not feel risk could be managed.”
Under cross-examination the inspector was unable to explain why it had taken over a year to arrest the men from the firearms seizure, except to say: “We submitted the evidence for forensic testing which is under significant pressure at the present time.”
Defence counsel Patrick Taggart stressed there are no relevant convictions and the evidence is weak.
He further suggested the discovery was indicative of a “historic arms dump” which lay unknown to the accused.
While District Judge Eammon King held: “The sole purpose of weapons such as this is involvement in criminality of the highest level, but I believe bail can be granted.”
This was set at £2,500 each with similar cash sureties and report weekly with police.
However, they will remain in custody as the prosecution are appealing the granting of bail at High Court.
