Three Dublin men charged with possessing fake handgun

Three Dublin men have been charged with possessing an imitation handgun after gardaí stopped a van last Friday.

Patrick Macken (29), Clonshaugh Road, Dublin 17; Derek Mitchell (21), Moatview Avenue, Coolock; and Julian O'Connor (34), St Brigid's Road, Artane, appeared at Dublin District Court.

They are charged with possessing an imitation firearm at Rosemount Avenue, Artane, Dublin and having implements allegedly intended for use in a burglary on the afternoon of March 13th. Mr Mitchell has an additional charge for driving a vehicle with a false registration number.

The three men made "no reply" when charged by detectives Nicola Lowry, Susan Lyons and Ian Pemberton of the Garda Organised Crime Unit.

Judge Anthony Halpin heard that there was no objection to bail being granted to Mr Macken and Mr Mitchell subject to them obeying conditions.

They were remanded on bail to appear again on May 11th while gardaí get directions from the DPP.

No contact

They were ordered not to have contact with co-defendants, not to apply for travel documents and to sign on daily at their local Garda stations, to obey curfews and to provide the Garda with contact phone numbers.

Det Garda Pemberton objected to bail being granted to Mr O’Connor, who was remanded in custody to appear at Cloverhill District Court on Wednesday.