Teenager who carried out string of crimes had ‘tragic’ childhood

A teenager who carried out a string of crimes, including assaulting a female hotel manager, had a “tragic” childhood which included the murder of his 12-year-old brother, a court has heard.

Gerard Hughes, aged 19, appeared before Dublin Circuit Criminal Court yesterday where he was sentenced to three years’ imprisonment with the final 12 months suspended for a number of drug-induced offences, including assault, taking a car, and dangerous driving.

Sentencing Hughes, Judge Melanie Greally said: “He has experienced more than his fair share of very tragic misfortune over the course of his young life”.