Man faces trial over gun possession outside garda station

A 21-year-old man, Josh Larkin, is set to face trial for allegedly brandishing a handgun outside a Dublin garda station, followed by a young boy unintentionally discharging it nearby. On April 28, Larkin, from Poppintree Crescent, Ballymun, was charged with weapons offenses for possessing a black handgun and displaying it during a dispute at Gateway Crescent adjacent to Ballymun Garda station in the city's north side.

He also faces a related charge for possessing cannabis at Sillogue Park on the same date. Bail was set at €20,000 with a €6,500 cash deposit demanded, and Larkin remains in custody. During his appearance at Cloverhill District Court on April 30, the Director of Public Prosecutions directed the case for a trial on indictment, and Judge Patricia Cronin ordered a return for trial, sending him forward to appear at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court on October 22.

Initially, the bail hearing revealed the incident was connected to a local gang feud. Garda Ben Grimes recounted that around 3:13 PM, he and a colleague were en route for routine inquiries when they spotted three males in an altercation opposite the station. One of the men brandished a handgun at people before fleeing on an e-scooter upon being approached.

Gardaí used the suspect's description to pursue him to Sillogue Park, where Larkin was apprehended. The court was informed that flawless quality CCTV footage from seven locations was obtained, showing the handgun being discarded in a bush and later picked up by a six-year-old child who handed it to his 11-year-old brother, leading to an accidental discharge that caused the boy a shoulder injury.