A semi-automatic pistol allegedly found in the bedroom of a teenage boy, who is facing trial for arms and drug-dealing offences, was loaded, a court heard yesterday.
The Children's Court was told that the 17-year-old from Coolock, Dublin, is charged with possession of a Luger calibre Keltec pistol and four rounds of 9mm ammunition in suspicious circumstances at his home on April 17th last year.
He is also charged with possession of ecstasy tablets with intent to sell or supply to others, and possession of cannabis and ecstasy tablets, also at his home on the same date.
The boy was 16 when he was allegedly in possession of the gun and drugs.
In an outline of the evidence yesterday, Garda Declan Maloney of Santry station told Judge Cormac Dunne that the gun had been found on a shelf in the boy's bedroom wardrobe.
He said the weapon was not common in Ireland and when found it was "loaded with four bullets".
Judge Dunne held that given the seriousness of the allegations, the teenager should be tried in the Dublin Circuit Criminal Court.
He remanded the teenager on bail until May 4th, when he is to be served with the book of evidence and returned for trial.