Mother: My son, 13, is on IRA punishment list

A 13-year-old Belfast boy is unable to return home because he is on an IRA punishment list, a juvenile court heard today.

Health trust officials are trying to find secure accommodation for the child, who is facing charges of criminal damage and attempting to steal a car radio.

His mother told the court that she feared he would be dealt with by the IRA if he returned home.

“Two police officers called to my house and said he was on an IRA punishment list. He was 12 at the time.”

She added the crimes he was currently accused of were much worse than the offences that had brought about the IRA threat.

“He has had numerous warnings and has been under curfew by paramilitaries on several occasions, which he didn’t keep.”

She feared he would be taken from his home and beaten: “It’s a strong possibility because of the offences.”

An official from the South and West Belfast Trust highlighted a severe shortage of secure accommodation.

He told the court the boy has been in four foster homes in the past six days as efforts were being made to find a permanent placement.

“There is no way it can be deemed as good care.”

Resident Magistrate Bernadette Kelly said the ideal situation would be for the child to receive support from his own home.

“There isn’t a lot we can do while this threat remains over him,” she added.

He was remanded on continuing bail to return again on March 16.

Outside the court, a solicitor who specialises in children’s law, said the shortages of secure places was a major problem.

Karen Fox, chair of the Association of Family Solicitors for Children, said: “It is unfortunate there are several cases coming before juvenile courts where children in need are at risk from significant harm.

“They need secure accommodation beds but these beds aren’t available, with the result that the children are being placed back where they continue to be at risk.”