Homeless Dublin teenager detained for six months

A homeless Dublin teenager who took part in a spate of muggings and theft offences has been detained for six months.

The 16-year-old boy had pleaded guilty at the Dublin Children’s Court to eight charges for robbery, burglary, criminal damage and theft offences which were committed between March 24 and May 4 last.

Garda Keith Halley, of Santry Station, had given evidence that during one incident the boy smashed a phone in a Garda station. Following his arrest for a separate offence his mother had been telephoned and asked to come to the garda station but refused. The teen was then allowed to speak with her on the phone but following the conversation he smashed the phone.

In another incident at Malahide DART station while armed with a pen he mugged a man for mobile phone. He had also been caught trying to sell a stolen mobile phone on Grafton St and in another incident mugged a woman for her handbag.

The court had heard that the teen had alcohol and drug problems and was "not welcome at home".

He had three previous convictions for theft, burglary and robbery from the person which saw him being detained for two years in the Trinity House Detention Centre, when he was aged 14.

Judge Bryan today finalised the boy’s case and imposed a six month sentence in St Patrick’s Institution.