A MAN who was found in possession of a Stanley blade was given a four-month prison sentence, but drew down two other previously suspended jail sentences on himself with the latest conviction.
Limerick District Court heard that Jason Sheehan (29), of 35 Shears Street, Kilmallock, told Gardaรญ he was carrying the blade for his own protection.
Judge Fiona Brennan heard in the District Court that Gardaรญ in Kilmallock received a report that there was a man carrying a Stanley blade in Kilmallock last month on August 22.
Responding Gardaรญ searched Mr Sheehan and found the blade. The court heard that he told Gardaรญ that it was for his own protection.
Having heard that Mr Sheehan has 41 previous convictions, including assault, robbery, and possession of knives, including a flick knife, Judge Brennan jailed him for four months.
Imposing the sentence, she noted Mr Sheehan’s claim that the blade for his own defence.
“The court has to ask what he would have done if he had felt threatened,” Judge Brennan said.
The judge was told that there were suspended sentences hanging over Mr Sheehan’s head, one of three months for criminal damage and one of three months for an offence under the Firearms Act.
Those sentences were imposed by a court on February 11, 2025, and suspended provided he was not convicted of any further offences for 18 months after that date.
The latest conviction, being in that time frame, means Mr Sheehan will also now have to serve those sentences.