Teen arrested in connection with Finglas riots remanded on bail

A 17-year-old boy arrested in connection with riots that broke out in Finglas in Dublin during St Patrick’s Day festivities has been remanded on continuing bail pending sentence.

The north Dublin boy, who cannot be identified because he is a juvenile, had been charged at the Dublin Children’s Court with travelling as a passenger in a stolen car at Berryfield Drive, in Finglas, on St Patrick’s night last.

The court also heard today that the boy had again been arrested this month for travelling in a stolen vehicle.

Judge Bryan Smyth further remanded the teenager on bail for four weeks for a probation officer’s and a social worker’s report on to be obtained. Directions from the DPP are also being sought in relation to the teen’s latest charge.

The court heard the teen’s mother was facing eviction from her home and the boy has moved to reside with his father.

A place on an educational course has been obtained for him. The boy was agreeable to attending this course because it was run through FAS and provided him “with a daily wage.”

Judge Smyth imposed a bail condition compelling the teenager to attend the course.

Earlier the court was told: “His mother has her own problems. When she is unwell he tends to become homeless, he needs intervention,” his solicitor had said had submitted.

The boy also has a number of other bail conditions including a curfew to be in his north Dublin home between 9pm and 7am as well as further order compelling him to remain sober and to stay out of the Finglas south area.

During the St Patrick’s night troubles a gang of around 60 people set fire to at least six cars in the Berryfield and Glenties Drive area of Finglas.

Two cars were hijacked and an attempt was made to hijack a third vehicle.

The youths involved had apparently been drinking since around 10am.

Gardaí in riot gear and the Garda helicopter were called to the scene and 17 people were arrested.