Boy, 14, threatened to slit man’s throat, court hears

A then 14-year-old boy armed with a broken bottle threatened to slit a young man’s throat during a false imprisonment and robbery incident on a Dublin street, a court has heard.

It is alleged the 19-year-old man was drunk when he was initially befriended before he was held for 15 minutes by youths armed with a broken bottles, and his bank card was used to withdraw €220 from his account, Dublin Children’s Court was told.

Judge Deirdre Gearty was given an outline of evidence for a jurisdiction ruling — whether the case would stay in the juvenile court or get transferred to the circuit court which has tougher sentencing powers.

The now 15-year-old defendant faces false imprisonment and robbery charges.

Garda John Saunderson told the court it would be claimed that

two teenagers approached the young man and started talking to him and asked him for €10 which was handed over.

Judge Gearty accepted jurisdiction meaning the case will remain in the juvenile court.

The boy was remanded on bail to appear again in two weeks when it is expected a plea will be entered.

He is in care and was accompanied to the proceedings by a staff member from his accommodation.

The court has also heard he is going to attend drug abuse therapy.