Garda booklet aims to keep Cork teens on right side of the law

Gardaí are set to send out a potent message to 10,000 teenagers in West Cork warning them of the repercussions of breaking the law, but also how to keep out of trouble.

Thu, 14 May, 2015 - 01:00

Sean O’Riordan

In what has been described as an unprecedented move, the booklet which is aimed at 13-18 year-olds, will be sent to all secondary schools, youth clubs and community organisations in the region.

Titled ‘Gardaí, Youth and the Law’ the publication covers a number of topics including bullying, cyber-bullying, underage drinking, drug-use, theft, knife-crime, public order law and road safety.

The booklet which was launched at a reception in the Celtic Ross Hotel in Rosscarbery, was sponsored by Kinsale Youth Support Services.

Among those present were Judge James McNulty, the presiding district court judge in the region; chief superintendent Tom Hayes and mayor of Co Cork Alan Coleman.

Chief supt Hayes said the primary reason for the publication of the booklet was to create a better understanding of the law among young persons.

He outlined how underage drinking can pose a particular problem, whereby young people may make poor decisions that could lead to situations such as assaults or public order. Such incidents, he said, could create long-term consequences for themselves.

Retired district court judge Michael Pattwell, also present, advised if any person received a conviction, it would have a major impact on their ability to travel. He praised the work being done in West Cork in keeping young people out of trouble.