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21 Nov 2025
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21 Nov 2025
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Derry Magistrate's Court
A judge at Derry Magistrate's Court today said that 'the calibre of taxi drivers in this town is pretty tough' after he heard how a man produced a crocodile head, a gun and a knife in a taxi.
John Harkin (51) of Greenpark Drive in Antrim appeared charged with possessing class B and C drugs, possessing a knife and a firearm on June 17 2024.
The court was told that a taxi driver picked up two males and took them to two addresses.
At the second address the defendant came out carrying a bag and signs of a wound.
As the journey continued Harkin produced a crocodile head from the bag.
He then produced a knife and then one round of ammunition followed by a gun.
The taxi man remarked he believed the gun was a replica but Harkin said it was real.
When they arrived at the address the court heard 'they exchanged pleasantries' and Harkin left the car.
Five days later police searched Harkin's address and drugs and the items were found.
Harkin confirmed he was in the taxi but said he thought he had shown the items rather than take them out.
He said the knife was for work and the gun had been 'decommissioned'.
Defence counsel Stephen Chapman said it was 'an unusual case' and District Judge Ted Magill said it was 'bizarre '.
The barrister said that his client had not threatened the driver.
Judge Magill said Harkin had 'an appalling record' with 222 previous convictions but had shown he could stay out of trouble.
He told Harkin if he had threatened the driver he would have gone straight to prison .
He imposed 18 months probation order.
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