Girl who stole €13 worth of toiletries is put into care

A 15-year-old girl, who spent four months in a detention centre for theft of €13 worth of toiletries, has been released from custody to commence a placement in a children’s care unit.

At the Dublin Children’s Court Judge Aingeal Ni Chonduin struck out the charge against the troubled girl. She released the girl, who has been held in custody in Oberstown Girls’ Centre since February, after hearing a care home had been found for her.

After the teen had pleaded guilty to the shoplifting offence she had been ordered to attend meetings with the probation and welfare services which she failed to do.

The girl later did not turn up for her next court appearance and the next time she was brought to court, in February, she was remanded in custody to Oberstown Girls’ Centre.

The girl is unable to return to her family home at present.

The case had been adjourned several times while attempts were being made by Health Service Executive to identify a suitable care unit for her.

Earlier in the case another judge had said the time the girl had spent on remand in custody so far as a result of the proceedings was in excess of any sentence that could have been imposed.