Teen charged in connection with Garda sergeant shooting

A 16-year-old boy, arrested in connection with the shooting of a Garda sergeant on Wednesday morning, was brought before the Dublin Children’s Court today, charged with possession of a shotgun and ammunition.

Garda Sergeant Mark Clarke, of Crumlin station, a married father of two, was hospitalised following the alleged incident and subsequently released on Thursday night.

Detective Garda Michael McNulty, of Sundrive Road station, told Judge Catherine Murphy that the boy, who is from the west of Ireland, was arrested at St Agnes’ Road in Crumlin, Dublin, on Thursday night.

The teenager, who was granted legal aid, was charged with possessing a 12-gauge single-barrel breach-loading hammer shotgun at Monasterboice Road, in Crumlin, on September 27, contrary to the Firearms Act 1964.

He was also charged with possession of two elay 12-gauge Olympic trap type number seven-and-a-half shotgun cartridges at the same location and date.

The boy also faces a charge for allowing himself to be carried in a stolen vehicle on the same date, at Monasterboice Road.

The teen, who was wearing a black fleece jacket, tracksuit trousers and runners, made no reply when he was charged.

When the case was called, defence solicitor Mr Peter Mullen said the boy’s mother was not present but was making her way to the court.

Judge Murphy put the case back for an hour to allow a member of the boy’s family to be present.

An hour later when the boy’s uncle arrived, the case proceeded.

Mr Mullen said that an application for bail was not being made.

Judge Murphy remanded the teenager, who did not speak during his court appearance, in custody to St Patrick’s Institution to appear again next week.