A 20-year-old man has appeared in court charged with the possession of a gun in Dublin which a young boy later found and fired in the area.<\/p>\n
Josh Larkin was charged with weapons offences for possessing a black handgun and producing it in the course of a dispute, at Gateway Crescent outside Ballymun Garda Station on Tuesday.<\/p>\n
The court heard that the gun was dumped in a bush and was subsequently found by a six-year-old child who handed it to his 11-year-old brother who discharged the weapon accidentally.<\/p>\n
Dublin District Court heard the incident was connected to a local gang feud, which has already resulted in multiple other weapons and violent incidents.<\/p>\n
Mr Larkin, of Poppintree Crescent, Ballymun, also faces a connected charge for possessing cannabis at Sillogue Park on the same date.<\/p>\n
Judge Brendan O’Reilly granted bail over garda opposition, but required cash lodgements of \u20ac6,500 before Mr Larkin can be released, subject to several conditions.<\/p>\n
“The weapon is unaccounted for and investigating garda\u00ed believe it has fallen into the hands of criminal elements in the area,” Garda Ben Grimes told a contested bail hearing.<\/p>\n
Garda Grimes said the accused made no reply when charged at Ballymun Garda Station.<\/p>\n
The officer told the court that at about 3.13pm, he and a colleague were about to go out to conduct routine enquiries in the district when they observed what appeared to be three males in an altercation directly opposite the station.<\/p>\n
Garda Grimes said one of them brandished a handgun at people, but he fled on an e-scooter when approached.<\/p>\n
Garda\u00ed circulated the male’s description and gave chase to Sillogue Park, where the accused was allegedly arrested.<\/p>\n
An incident room has been opened by Ballymun garda\u00ed who have recovered “impeccable” quality CCTV from seven locations, the court heard.<\/p>\n
Referring to the footage, the officer alleged: “Moments after the handgun is dumped in a bush in Sillogue Gardens, it was picked up by a six-year-old child. The child hands it to his 11-year-old brother, who accidentally discharges it”.<\/p>\n
Judge O’Reilly heard that the child was treated for a shoulder injury from the gun recoil.<\/p>\n
The garda also said it was concerning that children were in the area when the gun was fired.<\/p>\n
The video evidence was played during the hearing, and defence solicitor Eoin Lysaght disputed claims that a gun was visible.<\/p>\n
Garda Grimes insisted he could see it in the footage.<\/p>\n
He also told the court that further charges could be brought.<\/p>\n
The solicitor submitted that his client, who enjoyed the presumption of innocence, would abide by stringent conditions.<\/p>\n
The accused did not address the court.<\/p>\n