Garda helicopter 'used to track down car thief'

A 16-year-old boy was tracked down by the garda helicopter after he tried to steal a car, a court has heard.

The teenager was charged at the Dublin Children’s Court with trespassing with intent to commit a crime and unlawfully interfering with a car at a house, at Cherry Orchard Avenue, in Ballyfermot, Dublin early today.

Garda Aisha Fitzsimons of Ballyfermot station said that the west Dublin boy “tried to evade arrest, the Garda helicopter had to be used in the search for him and he is continually re-offending”.

She also said that after his arrest it was discovered there was a bench warrant for his arrest for failing to attend another court case for earlier Public Order Act offences.

Judge Aingeal Ni Chonduin granted bail to the boy pending directions from the Director of Public Prosecutions. The teen was supported in court by his mother who lodged a €90 independent surety.

The teen, who is attending a training course, was ordered to obey a nightly curfew between 9pm and 9am, not to go near the Cherry Orchard Avenue area and to sign on daily at his local Garda station.