Caught with crossbow and drugs

A MAN caught with a crossbow and a quantity of amphetamine drugs in the shed of his home in Carrickmacross, Co Monaghan, has received two six-month concurrent sentences for the offences.

When gardaí searched the property of Polish man Zenan Babczak (53) in January 2023, they uncovered a crossbow capable of discharging bolts in his shed, it was outlined at a recent sitting of Monaghan District Court. Officers also found a bag containing white powder, which was later confirmed to be €540 worth of amphetamines, alongside a tick book and weighing scales.

Defence solicitor Catherine Taaffe told the court that Mr Babczak, with an address at Cuirt Dromaid, Carrickmacross, Monaghan, is currently serving a three-and-a-half year sentence, with 15 months suspended, for another offence and has a release date of April 2027.

She said the defendant had lived in Ireland for the past 20 years and was “horrified and mortified” by these offences. Ms Taaffe said the defendant had previously been a man who lived a life of no crime.

Judge Gerry Jones imposed a six-month sentence for the possession of the firearm, and another six months for the possession of drugs, to run concurrently with his current sentence.