'Sword attack' teenager released on bail

A teenager charged in connection with a burglary where a man and woman were allegedly attacked with a sword has been released on conditional bail.

The 17-year-old boy was remanded in custody by the Dublin Children’s Court last week after he was charged with aggravated burglary and assault causing harm to the man and woman, who are in their twenties, at Park Hill West, in Tallaght, on the morning of New Years’ Day last.

Judge Ann Ryan held today that the case was too serious to be retained in the jurisdiction of the Children’s Court. Instead, it is to be sent forward to the Dublin Circuit Criminal Court which, on conviction, can impose lengthier sentences.

Outlining the prosecution’s evidence, Garda Padraig Mullarkey, of Tallaght station, alleged that the man and his partner were in their home “when at approximately 7.15 am they were woken by the sound of their front door being kicked in.”

“Three men forced their way into the house and assaulted both occupants. There was an ornamental sword hanging over the fire place and it was used by one of the attackers.”

The man suffered “slash wounds” and underwent three-and-a-half hour’s surgery. He made a recovery but was left scarred while his partner suffered a broken nose. Property was taken and later found in the home of another suspect.

Both victims identified the culprits and have moved out of their home.

Defence solicitor Sarah Molloy pleaded with the judge to keep the case in the Children’s Court. She said the teen, who is a juvenile, strenuously denied his involvement and two other adults were facing prosecution in relation to the alleged incident.

He had been diagnosed with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder and had behavioural problems since he was four-years-old. He has been in full-time employment but his parents were very concerned over him and hoped to seek help for his problems.

However, Judge Ryan held that the case should be sent to the Circuit Court.

Last week, the teen’s parents indicated that they “were not in a position to take him home.” Garda Mullarkey had objected to bail citing the seriousness of the offence, the strength of evidence in the case and the likely sentence that could be imposed.

However, Ms Molloy told Judge Ryan today that the teen’s parents, who were in court, would now take their son home on condition that he did not engage in any threatening or abusive behaviour.

Garda Mullarkey said he was no longer objecting to bail providing that there were a number of other conditions imposed on the teenager including a curfew from midnight to 6am and orders for the boy to sign on daily at Tallaght Garda station and to reside at his family home.

Judge Ryan agreed to attach these terms to the bail bond and remanded the boy to appear again in April when he is to be served with the book of evidence and returned for trial.