Omagh man allowed to keep his gun despite licence breach

AN Omagh man has been allowed to retain his shotgun licence despite being found in breach of its conditions.

Adrian Irwin (54), of Coolnagard Green, appeared before Omagh Magistrates Court on Tuesday charged with failing to comply with the terms of a firearms licence. The court heard the breach occurred on September 9, 2024, when police officers carried out an inspection at his home.

Defence solicitor Edel O’Neill told the court that Irwin had sold his existing gun cabinet and was awaiting delivery of a smaller replacement at the time of the inspection.

She said that the defendant had sold the larger locker and was waiting for the delivery of a smaller locker.

She said there was a short two-day window when the firearm was not stored in a compliant cabinet, and it was during this period that police arrived. When questioned by District Judge Ted Magill, Ms O’Neill confirmed that police had not revoked Irwin’s shotgun licence and that he remains a licence holder.

Judge Magill emphasised the importance of firearms being securely stored at all times, but accepted the explanation and noted that Irwin had not lost his licence.

Irwin was fined £250 for the breach.