Man claims ‘butterfly’ knife was holiday souvenir from Spain

Man claims ‘butterfly’ knife was holiday souvenir from Spain


A MAN who had a knife with a five inch blade found in the glove compartment of his car claimed he bought the knife on holiday to use it for fishing.
Stephen Conway of 20 Springfield Court, Castlebar appeared before Castlebar District Court charged with possession of a knife without lawful authority or reasonable excuse. Garda William Grant told the Court that on October 15, 2009 he stopped a car belonging to Stephen Conway at Knockcroghery, Castlebar for the purpose of searching it for drugs. He said they did not find any drugs but discovered a ‘butterfly’ knife with a five inch blade in the glove compartment.
Mr Conway told the court he had arrived home from holidays in Spain the day before and had bought the knife as a souvenir in a fishing shop in Malaga. Originally from Tourmakeady, Mr Conway claimed he was a keen fisherman and bought it because the blade was covered and this would stop it from rusting. He said the knife was bought primarily for fishing but he had been using it to strip cables when fixing the radio in his car.
Aiden Crowley, solicitor for the defendant said there was nothing in the garda evidence to suggest the knife was used for any particular purpose and the benefit of the doubt should be given to his client.
When asked by Judge Mary Devins what they felt the knife was used for, Superintendent Willie Keaveney speculated that it was used to cut up drugs, but admitted it was not analysed for drugs.
Judge Devins said she was satisfied that the prosecution had technically proved their case but added that in the ‘circumstances’ she would give Mr Conway the benefit of the Probation Act and directed forfeiture of the knife.