Former soldier found with kitchen knife in car

Judge Michael Connellan remarked to his solicitor to have a conversation with her client regarding the road that the former soldier was going down.

The Judge convicted and imposed a fine of €300 on Kenneth Caldwell of Gatelodge, Athlone in respect of being in possession of what the 46-year-old described was a kitchen knife at Balrath, Duleek on 10th July 2023.

Trim District Court heard that the defendant was stopped following a report of a vehicle driving dangerously.

His solicitor Miriam Regan explained the knife was for camping and fishing.

He had told the arresting Garda that it was for his own protection.

Judge Connellan queried was the fish going to attack.

The defendant replied he did a lot of fishing.

Judge Connellan said he did too but didn’t have a knife in his car.

The defendant told the type of fishing he did, and it was a normal kitchen knife.

Judge: Was it sharp?

Defendant replied “not too sharp. Enough to cut a line."

Miss Regan said the defendant was a retired soldier now receiving social welfare.

The Court Presenter, Sergeant Alan Ratcliffe said the defendant had five previous convictions, none of which Miss Regan pointed out were for offences relating to offensive weapons or assault.

Judge Connellan made an order for the destruction of the knife.

- Funded by the Courts Reporting Scheme