Teen on trial for violence

A teenager was yesterday convicted in a juvenile court over an eruption of violence at a bonfire that saw youths carrying hatchets, knuckledusters, Samurai swords, crutches, hurleys, crowbars, walking sticks, golf clubs, and a machete.

The judge said, after convicting the 17-year-old at the juvenile court at Cork District Court, he could not stand over any sentence because of what he said was an unfounded allegation by the prosecuting inspector that the youth was the instigator.

Several more people will go on trial for their alleged parts in the violence at Ardmore Avenue, Knocknaheeny, Cork, on June 24.

Judge Con O’Leary yesterday convicted the youth, who cannot be named for legal reasons, of affray in that he engaged with others in a violent disorder. He also convicted him of being drunk and a source of danger and engaging in threatening behaviour.

However, the judge said he was giving the boy, who had eight previous convictions, the benefit of dismissal on all charges under the Probation of Offenders Act.

The judge said: “I could not stand over any sentencing having regard to theunfounded allegation” by Insp Gary McPolin, who claimed the teen instigated the violence.

Inspector McPolin said, “I don’t agree with what you are saying about me. I am taking it personally. I am disappointed.”