Man (20) accused of ‘casually’ brandishing handgun later fired by child

A 20-year-old man faces weapons charges after allegedly brandishing a handgun outside a Dublin garda station in an incident that resulted in a child accidentally discharging the firearm.

Ballymun Handgun Incident

Josh Larkin, an unemployed man from Poppintree Crescent, Ballymun, was charged with possessing a black handgun and producing it during a dispute at Gateway Crescent on Tuesday. The Dublin District Court heard that the event is linked to a local gang feud that has already seen multiple violent incidents.

Garda Ben Grimes testified that at approximately 3:13 p.m., officers observed three males in an altercation directly opposite the Ballymun Garda station. One of the males brandished a handgun at people before fleeing the scene on an e-scooter.

Following a chase to Sillogue Park, Larkin was arrested. Gardaí have recovered CCTV footage from seven different locations, which Grimes alleged shows Larkin “casually” brandishing the firearm before dumping it in a bush in Sillogue Gardens.

The court heard that moments after the gun was discarded, a six-year-old child found the weapon and handed it to his 11-year-old brother. The older child accidentally discharged the weapon and was treated for a shoulder injury caused by the recoil.

Court Proceedings and Bail

Judge Brendan O’Reilly granted bail despite garda opposition, requiring cash lodgements of €6,500. Larkin also faces a connected charge for possessing cannabis at Sillogue Park on the same date.

Gardaí informed the court that the handgun remains unaccounted for and is believed to have fallen into the hands of criminal elements in the area. Officers also cited concerns regarding potential efforts to intimidate locals assisting with the investigation.

While the defense solicitor disputed claims that a gun was visible in the video evidence, Judge O’Reilly noted that gun residue swabs had been taken from the accused, though results are pending. The discharged bullet has not been recovered.

Larkin’s bail conditions include staying out of Ballymun, adhering to a curfew, providing a 24/7 contact number, and having no contact with seven named males. He is scheduled to appear at Cloverhill District Court on May 7th for directions from the Director of Public Prosecutions.