Security guard who says he carried knuckle duster after attack at work is fined €150

Shaun Quinn, 36, of Barnwell Gardens, Ballymun, pleaded guilty at Dublin District Court to possessing the weapon in public on February 18.

Gardai searched him at Shangan Road in Ballymun.

He had eight prior criminal convictions for drugs and obstruction offences, but counsel said he had “turned his life around”.

Judge Anthony Halpin heard he told gardai that he had previously worked in security at a shop in north Dublin.

However, he had been attacked, and a colleague had his face slashed there. As a result, he had the weapon.

The court heard that he is now providing security at a “more calm” location.

Judge Halpin said he should not have the weapon but spared him a custodial sentence.