Warrant issued for 'crime wave' teen

A bench warrant has been issued for the arrest of 17-year-old boy, who has allegedly burgled schools, a college and the offices of a Government department, during a crime wave.

The teenage father-of-one had been granted bail by the Dublin Children’s Court a month ago with strict conditions including a curfew order to be at home between the 5pm and 7am daily. The court heard his crimes occurred “during the cover of darkness”.

Judge Ann Ryan issued the warrant to have him arrested and brought before the court when he failed to turn up for his case this morning.

The teenager has allegedly stolen more than €20,000 worth of laptops and is facing more than 20 charges for a spate of burglaries and car-break-ins, in north Dublin.

Earlier the court had been told that the boy had repeatedly broken the curfew and had been arrested for a burglary in Clontarf, in Dublin, on November 30 last.

The teen is also facing a charge for entering the offices of the Department of the Environment in the Custom House to commit a theft on May 21 last.

Garda Paul Kelly had said it was alleged that the boy burgled Marino College in Fairview, in Dublin, on October 12 last.

“The accused broke a window and entered the college, 20 laptops were taken and had a value of €23,000,” he said. “They were not recovered.”

Garda Cyril Kelleher had told the court the teen burgled two schools two days previously.

It is alleged the teenager burgled one premises and stole €1,300 and, in a separate incident on the same date, made off with €100 during another break-in at St Joseph’s Junior School, in Fairview.

He has also been charged the burgling that school on October 1 last when it is alleged he stole a laptop computer.

The boy’s mother had told the court last month that she had been seeking social service’s assistance with her son, whom she believes suffers from Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder.

She did appear for his court case today either.