Bench warrant issued for teen facing over 30 charges

A bench warrant has been issued for the arrest of a recovering teenage heroin addict facing over 30 charges including one for an attempted break-in at the Irish headquarters of the Jesuit Order.

The 17-year-old boy is facing 33 charges, mostly for burglaries, for offences committed over the last year. Among these he faces one charge for possessing a hand-worn “knuckle-duster” weapon and also a flick-knife.

The boy, who was given bail last month, failed to turn up for his case at the Dublin Children’s Court today which led to Judge Ann Ryan issuing the warrant. Several gardaí involved in the boy’s prosecution were present and an up-dated pre-sentence probation report was to be furnished to the court.

A charge for trespassing with intent to commit a burglary has been brought after he was caught prowling at the Jesuit Order’s headquarters, in Eglington Road, in Donnybrook, Dublin 4 on May 7 last.

Another charge reads that the boy had stolen a pint of milk and hot food worth €1.14 from Dunnes Stores.

Pleading for a final chance the teenager had earlier told Judge Ryan that he was battling a heroin addiction problem and had spent two years living rough on the streets of Dublin.

He also claimed his girlfriend had just given birth to their baby and he wanted “straighten my life out” to for the sake of the child.

“All the charges I have I was homeless, on the streets, strung out on heroin,” said the boy who has not been accompanied to court by any family member.

The teen who is residing in hostel accommodation with support from social workers has been attending a drug addiction treatment course. He had also told the court he was going to commence a FAS training course.