A detective's handgun was allegedly sold to the criminal underworld for £500 after it was taken in a burglary during 1995, Dublin Circuit Criminal Court heard yesterday.
Judge Cyril Kelly also noted one of the burglars, Christopher Ryan, had a annual £100,000 heroin habit.
He remanded Ryan to April 24th for sentence with bail on condition he stays in the Coolmine Therapeutic Community. His co defendant will also be dealt with on that date.
Ryan (24), of Harelawn Park, Clondalkin pleaded guilty to stealing the gun.