Weapons accused told police: Everyone has right to defend themselves

A man allegedly stopped in Belfast with a loaded gun, baton and bladed knuckle duster told police everyone has the right to defend themselves in the 21st century, a court heard.
By The Newsroom
Published 22nd May 2020, 15:08 BST
Laganside Courts in Belfast City centre Pic Colm Lenaghan/PacemakerLaganside Courts in Belfast City centre Pic Colm Lenaghan/Pacemaker
Laganside Courts in Belfast City centre Pic Colm Lenaghan/Pacemaker

Police claimed Polish national Grzegorz Szawica had the collection when his car was pulled over on the Malone Road on Thursday.

The 38-year-old, of Florida Street in the city, is charged with possessing a firearm and ammunition in suspicious circumstances, along with two counts of possessing an offensive weapon in public.

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He is also accused of driving when unfit through drink or drugs, failing to provide a specimen, possessing a quantity of Clas C pregabalin and handling stolen goods.

Opposing bail at Belfast Magistrates’ Court, a detective contended that Szawica could be a risk to the public.

District Judge Fiona Bagnall denied bail and remanded him in custody.