Teens may face charges over stone throwing

THREE teenagers could face criminal charges after a spate of stone throwing at traffic during which a toddler was seriously injured.

Gardaí in Cork questioned a 16-year-old boy and two 13-year-old boys in the company of their parents yesterday about the incidents on the city’s South Ring Road at the weekend.

Two vehicles were damaged on Friday, two on Saturday and two on Sunday after stones were thrown over an embankment near the Mahon Point off-ramp.

On Sunday, in the most serious incident, two-and-a-half-year-old Marcel Burke, who was sitting in the back of his father John’s camper van, was lucky to survive after being struck in the forehead by a stone.

It smashed through a double perspex window and struck Marcel in the centre of his forehead, causing a gaping wound.

The toddler lost a lot of blood.

Gardaí said he was lucky to survive.

Blackrock-based Garda Sergeant Fergus Twomey said uniformed gardaí, acting on intelligence, mounted an operation yesterday morning to target at least six individuals, all aged under 16.

Two 13-year-old boys were first brought to Blackrock Garda Station where they were questioned in the company of their parents.

The teenagers are facing six counts of criminal damage in relation to six vehicles — cars and vans — including Mr Burke’s camper van.

They are also facing charges under Section 3 of the Non-Fatal Offences Against the Person Act for the injuries sustained by the toddler.

The 16-year-old was questioned in connection with the incident later in the day.

Sgt Twomey said gardaí are now preparing files for both the Director of Public Prosecutions and the Director of the National Juvenile Scheme, who will ultimately decide if criminal proceedings should follow.

And he moved to reassure motorists that the weekend’s incidents were isolated.

“I am satisfied that this will put an end to this criminal activity,” Sgt Twomey said.

Marcel was placed under full anaesthetic yesterday as plastic surgeons at Cork University Hospital stitched the wound. He is expected to make a full recovery.

Mr Burke, who lives in France and who had brought his family to Cork for a holiday, said they are just thankful the youngster did not lose an eye or suffer brain damage.

The family is due to return home to France at the weekend.