Austin Kennedy, a man who British authorities have been seeking for his alleged involvement in firearm offences, has been presented in the High Court in Dublin. The case against Kennedy includes the charge of plotting to possess a firearm and ammunition with harmful intent. This stems from a police operation in Greater Manchester on 18th October 2018, when officers recovered a modified shotgun and 32 shells.
Kennedy, a man in his late forties from Middleton, Manchester, was one among several men suspected of engaging in the crime and arrested. Later, they faced charges relating to the confiscated gun and ammunition. Though the other suspects have appeared in the English courts regarding this case, it is believed that Kennedy, who originally hails from Waterford, had left the UK for Ireland.
A warrant for Kennedy’s extradition was issued by a Manchester court in 2019 and backed by the High Court in Dublin a year later. Kennedy stood before Justice Denise Brett on Friday during the vacation sitting of the High Court, pursuant to the warrant. It was shared that Kennedy was apprehended by the Garda Extradition Unit at a residence in Dunmore East, Co Waterford, on Thursday night. On Friday morning, he appeared before the High Court.
The court heard that the state was against Kennedy being released on bail. Kennedy, who had legal representation during the short hearing, did not seek bail, and will stay in custody until his next scheduled court appearance later this month.