Teenagers charged after violent spree

Five young men were involved in a spree of violence lasting over an hour in Bishopstown, Co Cork, where a young man was robbed, a house damaged, windows in a car smashed and a €45,000 digger set on fire in a sports field.

Garda David Hickey outlined the background to the series of events that occurred before and after midnight on September 14/15, 2013, in Bishopstown.

Two teenagers were arrested yesterday and brought before Cork District Court charged with engaging in violent disorder with other named individuals in a manner likely to cause fear in others present at the time.

Judge Leo Malone was told two more youths were due to be charged and brought before Cork District Court next week.

After the outline of the background to the spree of violent incidents, solicitor Emmet Boyle said his client, Conor Cronin, 18, of 8 Ballynaroon Grove, Glounthaune, Co Cork, had solely been accused of engaging in violent disorder.

Inspector Bill Duane said the Director of Public Prosecutions had directed the case against Cronin, who was 17 at the time of the alleged behaviour, could be dealt with at Cork District Court. However, having heard the outline of the background, Judge Olann Kelleher refused jurisdiction to deal with the case.

Judge Malone adjourned the matter for service of the book of evidence at Cork District Court on May 14.

Co-accused, Josh Powell, 19, of Halfway, Ballinhassig, Co Cork, was also arrested and charged with engaging in violent disorder.

Insp Duane said the DPP had directed trial by indictment. His case was put back to the same date to allow time for preparation and service of a book of evidence.