Teen gets suspended sentence for looting at 'Love Ulster' rally

A Georgian teenager, who took part in looting during the riots that erupted at 'Love Ulster' rally in Dublin, last year, has been given an eight-month suspended sentence at the Dublin Children’s Court.

The 17-year-old boy, who has been in Ireland since September 2005 without any parents, had pleaded guilty at the Dublin Children’s Court to trespassing on the Schuh Shop, on O’Connell Street, with intent to commit a theft on February 25, 2006.

He also admitted possessing a set of pliers for use in a connection with a theft offence as well as a number of separate theft charges arising from a spate of shoplifting incidents.

Defence solicitor Michelle Finan had told the court that the boy became a heroin addict after he came to Ireland and “found life much different here than in Georgia.”

He also started to associate with compatriots who were a bad influence on him.

She explained that the teen, an asylum seeker, had no family in Ireland and was receiving support from the Health Service Executive.

Garda Brian Quirke, of the Bridewell Station, had said that “during the Dublin city riots the front of the premises had been smashed by other people. The accused entered on two occasions and took shoes and bags.”

The boy was arrested as he tried to leave the shop after he had re-entered it a second time.

The teenager, who is seeking asylum, was co-operative when he was arrested and had no previous convictions.

Judge Bryan Smyth noted today that the teenager had not continued to come to Garda attention.

The boy has managed to overcome his drug addiction, the court was told.

Judge Smyth imposed an eight-month sentence but suspended it on condition that the teenager was off good behaviour for the next year.