Dublin teen sent to Swedish care unit

A troubled 14-year-old boy, who set fire to a room with children in it, today left Ireland to commence a placement in a special care unit situated on an island off the Swedish coast.

The Dublin teenager, who is facing charges for travelling in a stolen car, assault and a breach of the peace, had been held in custody in Oberstown Boys’ Centre, a detention centre for young offenders because there were no suitable care home environment in Ireland in which he could be placed.

The teen was released from custody by the Dublin Children’s Court yesterday to take up an immediate placement in the Hassela Gotland centre for problem young people, which is located on an island in the Baltic Sea.

The court had heard that the since the teen was aged six he had spent years in different care units, suffered a mental break down, had been on numerous medications and in one incident set fire to a room in which where there were other children.

His mother cannot manage him due to his problems and there were also fears for his safety in the community if he was released, the court had also heard.

There has been considerable social service involvement in the teenager’s life and his case had presented difficulties in terms of providing suitable accommodation.

Today, Judge Timothy Lucey granted releasing the boy from custody to allow him get a 6pm flight to Sweden.

He was told that the length of time the teenager would spend in the Swedish unit was not yet established and was currently set down for an “indefinite” period.

He was also told that the boy, who was not present for the case, was agreeable to the placement and his parents were pleased with the plan.

Judge Lucey was told that the teen would be accompanied on the journey by two members of staff from the Swedish centre.

He is to return early next year for a trial having pleaded not guilty to the charges before the court.

The placement in the Swedish centre was proposed by the Health Service Executive (HSE).