A 22-year-old man found in possession of a Stanley knife after a car chase in Macroom had his case dismissed after he said he had it for hunting purposes.

Dylan Deveraux, of Hollyville, Hollyhill, Cork city, pleaded not guilty before Macroom District Court to a charge of having a knife in a public place.

The court heard that at around 10pm on October 23rd 2025 at Millstreet Road, Gurteenroe, Macroom, the accused was found in possession of a Stanley knife.

Mr Deveraux told the court he had been out with three friends lamping, hunting rabbits at night and carried the knife for that purpose.

Mr Deveraux said he was using the knife for the purpose of hunting and therefore carried it in his fishing jacket, which was also used for hunting.

Insp Triona O’Mahony said it was questionable whether having the knife was lawful on that occasion.

Gda O’Leary told the court he was on mobile patrol in Macroom when he received a call from a colleague, asking for assistance in pursuing a blue Toyota.

When he caught up with the car, there was no one in the driver’s seat as he approached, but four men were squeezed into the back seat.

The men were wearing waterproof gear and had several dogs in the back of the car.

Gda O’Leary added there was a smell of cannabis coming from the car and he searched the four men.

He asked the accused if he had anything in his pocket and he handed him a Stanley knife.

Gardaí arrested Mr Devereaux and the other three men.

On being cautioned, Mr Devereaux replied: ‘It was just in my fishing jacket.’

Gda Moore told the court that the car had made a sudden left turn, failed to stop at a junction and drove across a Stop sign.

Gda Moore said he activated his patrol lights during the chase and caught up with the Toyota as it drove into a dead end street.

He said on taking the four men’s details, he identified the driver as the man sitting on top of the other three in the back seat.

The driver gave a false name, the court heard.

Defence solicitor Sean Cahill said that everyone in the car cooperated and gave their details, and that no drugs were found.

Judge Joanne Carroll said Mr Deveraux had been cooperative, handed the knife to gardaí and gave his correct name and details.

She believed the knife was for the purpose of hunting as the men were wearing outdoor gear and there were dogs in the car and dismissed the possession of the knife charge.

Along with two charges of dangerous driving, separate charges of driving without insurance, driving without a licence and failing to give his name and contact details were open against David O’Connell (21), of Knockpogue Avenue, Farranree, Cork city, who did not appear in court for the hearing.

Solicitor Sean Cahill said his colleague Frank Buttimer had not received any instructions from Mr O’Connell.

Judge Carroll struck out one charge of dangerous driving at Millstreet Road in relation to Mr O’Connell, and issued a bench warrant for his arrest on the remaining charges.

Funded by the Courts Reporting Scheme.