Judge calls for looting case to be prioritised

A judge has called for the Director of Public Prosecutions to prioritise the case of a Georgian teenager who was arrested for looting during February’s riots in Dublin.

Judge Bryan Smyth heard at the Dublin Children’s Court that the DPP’s directions were not yet available. The 17-year-old boy, an asylum seeker, who has been in Ireland since last October without any parents, was arrested for looting during the riots that erupted during the “Love Ulster” rally.

He is charged with burglary of the Schuh Shop, on O’Connell Street, which was ransacked during the riots. He is also charged with possession of a set of pliers for use in a connection with a theft offence.

Garda Brian Quirke of the Bridewell Station told Judge Smyth explained the DPP’s directions were not yet available due to the volume of suspects. He said the investigation has been massive, involving more than 60 gardaí.

Judge Smyth refused a defence application to have the case made peremptory against the State, meaning it would be struck out on the next occasion of directions were not available.

However he urged the DPP to “prioritise the case because the defendant is a juvenile”.

The teen who is residing in a hostel for asylum seekers, was remanded on continuing bail to appear again in four weeks.