Courts / Dublin / Report

Gardai commended for 'fast action' in imitation firearm scare

Date
2023-07-21

Stage
Sentence

Primary locality
Dublin

County
Dublin

Summary

In a Circuit Court hearing on 21 July 2023, a 52‑year‑old man, David Mullen, pleaded guilty to possession of an imitation firearm after brandishing a 6mm green gas‑operated air pistol that resembled a Glock in a residential estate on a summer evening. Gardaí responded at 9 pm, evacuated the surrounding houses, and requested armed assistance. Mullen, intoxicated with whiskey and Valium, was arrested within ten minutes of the gardaí's arrival. The air pistol was seized and sent to the Ballistic Technical Bureau. Judge Martina Baxter sentenced Mullen to 15 months in prison, suspended in full for 15 months under strict conditions, and ordered him to remain under probation supervision for one year, with random urine analysis and addiction counselling. The judge highlighted Mullen's remorse, his role as his mother's carer, and the aggravating factors of the weapon's appearance and the public setting. The court commended the gardaí for their swift and careful action.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Gardai commended for 'fast action' in imitation firearm scare. Charges or matters: possession of an imitation firearm on May 8, 2022, at the above address. Procedural stage: sentence

When:

May 8, 2022 Incident
2023-07-21 Publication

Case subjects

David Mullen

Defendant

Charges: possession of an imitation firearm on May 8, 2022, at the above address (Admitted)

Plea: Guilty

Outcome: Passing sentence at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court, Judge Martina Baxter said that after a very short standoff, Mullen was arrested. "It was a highly tense and serious incident due to the accused's use of poly-intoxicants," Judge Baxter said. Judge Baxter sentenced Mullen to 15 months in prison but suspended it in full for 15 months under strict conditions.