A Dublin man arraigned on firearms charges in the Central Criminal Court today has claimed he was "stitched up by the State."
Mr Mark Desmond (27) formerly of Lally Road, Ballyfermot is defending himself after he sacked his legal team.
The accused is charged with the unlawful possession of three double barrel shotguns and one long rifle with intent to endanger life between October 1st 1999 and February 17th 2000 at Lally Road, Ballyfermot.
He is further charged that on the same dates at Lally Road, Ballyfermot he was in unlawful possession of a 12 gauge shotgun cartridge with intent to endanger life.
When formally arraigned on four counts before Mr Justice Paul Carney the accused responded: "Not guilty, stitched up by the police and State."
The court heard that Mr Desmond sacked his legal team, led by Scottish barrister Mr Niall Murray QC. Mr Justice Carney said this had all the "hallmarks of somebody who is playing ducks and drakes" with the court.
"You have taken it upon yourself to sack your legal team one year after being returned for trial", he told the accused. When the accused threatened to take his case to the High Court, Mr Justice Carney replied: "You are in the High Court at this moment."
He directed that a jury be sworn in and the case forwarded to Mr Justice Liam McKechnie for trial.
He also directed that Mr Justice McKechnie be provided with transcripts of that mornings proceedings "so that he can have knowledge of the ducks and drakes" being played by the accused.