No place to hold teen, court told

A troubled teenager was remanded on bail today and told to come back to court next Wednesday after a judge heard that a detention centre had no space to take him.

The 14-year-old boy is facing charges at the Dublin Children’s Court under the Public Order Act for engaging in threatening, abusive, insulting behaviour likely to cause a breach of the peace, and for failing to comply with a Garda’s direction to leave the vicinity in a peaceful manner. The alleged incidents occurred on April 30 and May 10 in north Dublin.

Defence solicitor Michelle Finan explained that the boy, who was supported in court by his mother, was “at risk and someone who has severe difficulties. He has been getting into a lot of trouble particularly in recent times.”

Before, he had been given assistance from the Garda Juvenile Liaison Scheme, but is now facing his first charges in court, Judge Bryan Smyth was told.

She said that at present the defence was not in a position to enter a plea in relation to the charges.

However, she said a remand in custody was being sought in the National Remand and Assessment Centre, in Finglas, Dublin, where educational and psychological assessments are carried out.

“This is his first time in court and he is willing to go for the assessment,” she added.

However, Judge Smyth was informed that enquiries made to the centre revealed that there were no places available.

A space could become available on Tuesday and on Wednesday it would be known if it was still free, the court was told.

Judge Smyth remanded the north Dublin teen, who remained silent during the case, on bail to appear again on Wednesday.

He warned the youngster that “it is important that you stay out of trouble in the meantime.”