Suicidal teenager remanded in custody

A suicidal 14-year-old boy, who claimed he tried to kill himself in a garda station cell at the weekend, has been remanded in custody by Judge Gerard Haughton at the Dublin Children’s Court.

The south Dublin boy, who is voluntary care, was charged with causing criminal damage in a hostel in Dublin’s city centre, on Saturday.

Garda Aileen Kelly said: "I want to relay to the court that there are serious concerns for the defendant in relation to suicidal behaviour. While he was in garda custody over the past few days he indicated that he had tried to commit suicide by blocking air vents in the cell."

Judge Haughton was told that the boy, who was accompanied to court by his mother, was consenting to be held in custody. Meanwhile other proceedings in relation to his welfare are to be brought.

Defence solicitor Catherine Ghent said that concerns over the teen's engaging in self harm go back a number of years.

The court heard that, if bailed, the teenager would have to reside in hostel accommodation.

The Health Service Executive was represented in court and outlined the accommodation options that were being explored for the boy. One was to live in hostel accommodation with possible further respite care by sending him to a facility in Co. Fermanagh for troubled young people.

The second alternative being examined was for him to live with a relative while also getting therapeutic assistance in the community.

Judge Haughton ordered a remand in custody to the National Remand and Assessment Centre in Finglas, Dublin, after hearing the teen was consenting to the order.