Dublin man faces probation assessment after rifle incident

Probation services are set to evaluate Eric O'Driscoll, a 23-year-old man from Dublin, after he fired a semi-automatic rifle from a house in Finglas. The report will help the court decide if he should be supervised after his release. O'Driscoll is facing sentencing for possessing an AR-15 rifle. During a court session, Justice Melanie Greally highlighted that O'Driscoll has cooperated with probation officers. He has shared details that were not initially presented in court. A probation report suggested he could benefit from intervention but did not make specific recommendations. The judge asked for a report to determine if O'Driscoll could have intensive supervision before his release and what conditions might apply to any part of his sentence that could be suspended. O'Driscoll remains in custody until his next court date on April 7. In January 2022, O'Driscoll pleaded guilty to possessing the rifle under circumstances suggesting he did not have it for a legal purpose. He also faces additional charges related to reckless firearm use and possession of another firearm. O'Driscoll's brother, Glen Ward, also faces charges related to firearms possession and was recently referred to as a notorious criminal in court. Both siblings had firearms recovered during a search of a Finglas home. Evidence against O'Driscoll includes videos showing him using the rifle. His lawyer asked the court for leniency, noting O'Driscoll's minimal previous offenses and early guilty plea. O'Driscoll has been in custody since January 2024 and has faced traumatic experiences while incarcerated.