SENTENCING IN the case of a man caught with an Uzi submachine gun in a Limerick hotel was adjourned yesterday after he discharged his legal team.
Fintan Lynch of no fixed abode but originally from Southill in Limerick, has pleaded guilty to suspicious possession of the high-powered firearm and a silencer at the Travelodge Hotel, Coonagh Cross, Limerick on February 10th last.
Judge Carroll Moran heard evidence in the case last week and was due to impose sentence at Limerick Circuit Court yesterday.
However, when the case was called defence barrister Brian McInerney informed the court that his client had discharged his legal team.
Shane O’Callaghan asked that Peter Madden of Madden Finucane solicitors in Belfast be appointed to represent Mr Lynch and asked that the matter be adjourned to allow for preparation of a psychological assessment.
Counsel for the state John O’Sullivan said evidence in the case had already been heard but agreed to the adjournment “in the interest of justice and in view of the gravity of matters”.
During last week’s sentencing hearing Judge Moran was told the accused was released from prison just days before he was found with the Israeli-made submachine gun.
Gardaí dismissed claims that he had the gun for his own protection. Mr Lynch also claimed he was given a bullet-proof vest upon his release from prison by his brother who had been shot. The accused, who was described as a “highly volatile person”, was remanded in custody and sentencing in the case is due to take place on October 5th.