Three-month sentence for boy, 16, who ran garda over

A 16-year-old Dublin boy who knocked a garda over while speeding on a stolen motorbike has been given a three-month custodial sentence.

The boy admitted driving a stolen motorbike, not having a licence or insurance, escape from lawful custody, dangerous driving as well as a hit-and-run charge in connection with the incident in south Dublin on October 25, 2014.

During a pursuit, the boy had been riding the stolen moped at Mount Tallant Ave when he knocked over Garda Oliver Farrell who was on foot, the Dublin Children’s Court heard.

Judge John O’Connor was furnished with a probation report which showed the teenager has recently tested positive for cocaine use as well as other substances.

The boy had been given numerous chances to work with the Probation Service and avoid detention.

However, he failed to co-operate with agencies trying to help him.

Judge O’Connor imposed a six-month detention-supervision order. The boy will have to serve a three-month sentence in a detention centre followed by three months probation. The judge has said the teenager was out of control, taking “killer drugs” and putting his life at risk.

Earlier Judge O’Connor said all this was having an effect on the boy’s mother who said her son, “will not allow me to be his parent”.

Earlier, Garda Farrell said he attempted to stop the teenager but the boy drove at him and he had to take “evasive action”. The garda was struck to his right side and the boy carried on driving.

There were “numerous incidents of dangerous driving and failing to stop” before the teenager crashed into the back of a patrol car at Harold’s Cross Rd.