Aerosol addiction teen in custody for his own safety

A 16-year-old boy, who has possible suicidal ideation and who is addicted to aerosols, has been remanded in custody “for his own protection” even though the law does not allow for incarceration for the sole reason of self-protection, a children’s court in Kerry has heard.

However, there was no bed available at an adolescent treatment centre yesterday.

However, Judge James O’Connor said the “right thing to do” was to make sure the boy did not have access to aerosols, so as to protect the boy from himself.