Similarly, said the judge, there was no evidence as to their intended use of the loaded gun given that despite having an opportunity to use it against the police, they had not done so.

BBC: Belfast Crown Court

As it turns out, the boy had given away the flare gun, but police found the pistol, the loaded magazine and the bag of bullets still in his bag, according to Browne.

CNN: Surprise! Mom packed you a nice gun

It's hardly surprising that things are getting heated, given the emotional intensity of the gun issue.

CNN: Don't lock up David Gregory or deport Piers Morgan