Boy freed after arson charges dropped

A 16-year-old boy, who was accused of carrying out an arson attack at the Lambert Puppet Theatre in Dublin, has walked free from court after all charges were dropped.

It is estimated €150,000 worth of fire damage was caused in August to the historic venue, which was founded in 1972 by Eugene Lambert and now run by his son Liam Lambert.

The boy, who cannot be named as he is a minor, was arrested and refused bail after he appeared at the Dublin Children’s Court in September charged with arson and burglary over the blaze.

He faced his eight appearance at the juvenile court; a preliminary hearing was due to be held yesterday for directions from the DPP to be given as well as a decision on his trial venue.

It had been expected he would be sent for trial to the circuit court, which has tougher sentencing powers, due to the seriousness of the case. However, Judge John O’Connor was told the DPP has directed that the charges were to be withdrawn.

The teenager is also due back in court on December on unrelated charges.