Teens who attacked student may avoid record

Two teenage boys, who admitted taking part in a vicious attack on a Brazilian student in Dublin city centre on St Patrick’s Day, have been given a chance to avoid having criminal records.

The boys, both aged 17, pleaded guilty at Dublin Children’s Court to assault causing harm to the student, who suffered concussion and head injuries when he was attacked at Aston Quay.

The teens, accompanied to court by their mothers, had been found suitable for inclusion in a crime diversion programme run by the Probation Service. They have agreed to take part in an action plan of restorative justice activities over the next six months.

One of the boys has also written a letter of apology and the second boy has agreed to do the same.

Judge John O’Connor ordered them to appear again in April and July to review their progress. If they fully comply, they will be spared criminal records as well as possible sentences. The teens, who remain on bail, have confirmed that they understood what was involved.

Garda John Donnelly told the court that “both males were involved in the assault that led on to Aston Quay, both males did kick and punch the injured party in the head”.

The pair cannot be identified because they are juveniles.