Belfast Crown Court refused compassionate bail to Patrick James Collett, 58, of Rossnagalliagh in Derry, to visit his dying father in hospital. Collett pleaded guilty to possessing a Romanian AKM assault rifle and ammunition in suspicious circumstances. The rifle was adapted to allow successive discharges without repeated trigger pressure.

Police stopped Collett's car on Derry's Letterkenny Road on May 21, 2024. A specialist unit found the weapon, ammunition, garden gloves and latex gloves in the vehicle. Officers had observed Collett collect the item from his co-accused's home beforehand.

Collett's 89-year-old father is in Altnagelvin Hospital with bowel cancer and months to live. A consultant's letter stated his condition is serious but currently stable with no imminent death. Defence solicitor Rory Muldoon requested up to six hours release from Maghaberry Prison for a visit, backed by £10,000 cash surety from family.

Prosecution opposed the application, citing a minimum five-year sentence and Collett's social media photos linked to individuals with dissident republican convictions. Concerns included potential reprisals from groups like the New IRA over the weapon loss and risks to Collett and his father.

Muldoon noted Collett's clean record before arrest and his prior role as his father's carer. He described photos as from a local Brandywell bar.

Belfast Recorder Judge Philip Gilpin ruled the application premature but said it could be renewed if the father's condition worsens.