A Letterkenny chef has been refused a renewal of his gun license because of his convictions for cannabis possession.
Letterkenny court.
Peter Byrne, who is originally from Dunkineely, appeared before a special sitting of Letterkenny District Court looking for his license to be renewed.
The court heard that Mr Byrne, 30, had been shooting with his father since he was 17.
His father Michael also gave evidence of how he had taught his son to shoot and how he was a very responsible gun handler.
He said he had been shooting for 52 years and his father and grandfather before him had also hunted.
Peter Byrne told the court that he liked to shoot and also he liked to cook the animals he hunted for and that it was part of his life.
However, the court was given evidence of previous convictions against Peter Byrne under the Misuse of Drugs Act.
The court was told that as well as small amounts of herbal cannabis, the chef had also been found in possession of a cannabis grinder and weighing scales.
The gun at the centre of the license application is currently held under lock at Killybegs Garda station.
After reviewing the case, Judge Denis McLaughlin said he was refusing Mr Byrne’s application.
“I feel the Superintendent’s refusal is entirely justified. I would like to know that the guy beside me had not got a habitual cannabis use.
“I think I would be reckless if I allowed this appeal,” he said.