‘Vulnerable’ taxi man who took possession of loaded handgun in ‘moment of madness’ jailed

A “vulnerable” taxi driver who took possession of a loaded gun handed to him by a criminal in a “moment of madness’ has been jailed for three and a half years by the Special Criminal Court.

At the non-jury court on Wednesday, Anthony Walker was described as a “naturally vulnerable” man who had suffered child abuse and drug addiction in his younger years but “was not entirely innocent” when possessing and transporting the revolver in his taxi in 2021.

In December, Walker (54), with an address at Marrowbone Lane, Dublin 8, admitted at the three-judge court to possessing a .38″ special calibre Smith & Wesson revolver at Tallaght Road, Templeogue, Dublin 6W, on November 23rd, 2021.

Earlier this month, Walker further admitted to possessing five rounds of .38″ special calibre ammunition in such circumstances as to give rise to a reasonable inference that he had not got it in his possession for a lawful purpose on the same occasion.

At that hearing, Detective Garda John Rourke…