Man Appears in Court After Alleged Handgun Incident Outside Dublin Garda Station

A 20-year-old man has appeared before Dublin District Court accused of brandishing a handgun outside a Garda station in Ballymun, in an incident that later led to a child accidentally firing the weapon.

The accused, Josh Larkin, from Poppintree Crescent in Ballymun, faces charges of possessing a firearm and producing it during an altercation at Gateway Crescent, directly opposite Ballymun Garda Station, on Tuesday afternoon. He is also charged with possession of cannabis at Sillogue Park on the same day.

The court heard that the incident is believed to be linked to an ongoing gang feud in the area, which has already resulted in multiple violent incidents.

According to Garda Ben Grimes, the incident occurred at approximately 3:13 pm when officers observed three individuals involved in a confrontation across from the station. During the altercation, one of the men allegedly produced a handgun before fleeing the scene on an e-scooter as Gardaí approached.

A description of the suspect was circulated, and Gardaí pursued him to Sillogue Park, where Mr Larkin was arrested. Investigators have since recovered high-quality CCTV footage from several locations, which they say provides strong evidence.

Garda Grimes told the court that the footage shows the accused “casually” brandishing the firearm in a public place. It is further alleged that the weapon was later hidden under a bush in Sillogue Gardens, along with discarded items including gloves and clothing.

In a troubling development, the court heard that shortly after the weapon was abandoned, a six-year-old child found it and handed it to his 11-year-old brother, who accidentally discharged the firearm. The older child suffered a shoulder injury due to the recoil and received medical treatment.

Authorities have confirmed that the weapon has not yet been recovered and may now be in the possession of criminal elements, raising serious public safety concerns. Gardaí also expressed concerns about potential intimidation of witnesses assisting with the investigation.

During the hearing, defence solicitor Eoin Lysaght challenged the claim that a firearm was clearly visible in the CCTV footage. However, Garda Grimes maintained that it could be seen and indicated that further charges may be brought.

Judge Brendan O’Reilly granted bail despite Garda objections, noting the presumption of innocence and the accused’s lack of prior bench warrant history. However, strict conditions were imposed.

Bail was set at €5,000, with €1,500 to be paid in cash. An independent surety of €15,000 must also be approved, with €5,000 to be lodged before release. The court directed that the source of the funds be verified.

As part of the bail conditions, Mr Larkin must provide an address, stay out of the Ballymun area, observe a curfew, remain contactable by phone at all times, and have no contact with seven named individuals.

He was remanded in custody with consent to bail and is due to appear before Cloverhill District Court on May 7 for further directions from the Director of Public Prosecutions.