17-year-old charged with possession of €9,500 worth of heroin

A 17-year-old boy, who allegedly had about €9,500 worth of heroin stashed in his bedroom, has been sent forward for trial to the Dublin Circuit Criminal Court.

Judge Ann Ryan held that the case was too serious to be heard in the Children’s Court.

The west Dublin boy had been charged with possession of the drugs for sale or supply, at his family home, on February 19 last, when he was aged 16 years.

Detective Garda Martin Geraghty told Judge Ann Ryan it was alleged “a search was carried out and heroin worth €9480 was found in his bedroom.

The teenager was then arrested and held for questioning at Ronanstown Garda station where he admitted responsibility for the drugs.

Judge Ryan was told the teenager had never been in trouble before, was in a training course and also worked part time.

The boy’s counsel Ms Rebecca Smith pleaded with the judge to retain the case in the Children’s Court and not send it to the Circuit Court which can impose a lengthier sentence.

She asked the court to take into consideration the boy’s age at the time, his co-operation with gardai and previous good record.

Judge Ryan said she noted these factors but refused jurisdiction for the case to be heard in the Children’s Court.

The teen, who is on bail and who was accompanied to court by his father, was then served with the book of evidence in the case and returned for trial to the Circuit Court.