17-year-old remanded in custody for attacks on gardaí

A 17-year-old boy, who allegedly kicked a female garda in the face as she lay on the ground and then went on to break two of her colleagues’ noses, has been further remanded in custody.

Presiding at the Children’s Court, Judge Bryan Smyth held that the case was too serious to be heard there and should be sent forward for trial to the Dublin Circuit Criminal Court which has greater sentencing powers.

The boy has been charged with engaging in violent disorder and three counts of assaulting gardaí on September 1 and September 3 last.

In an outline of the prosecution evidence, Garda Sergeant David Gallagher of Store Street station alleged that the teenage defendant had been driving a stolen car which crashed in St Mary’s Mansions, in north inner city Dublin.

A female garda attempted to arrest the teenager, who allegedly attacked her and “punched and kicked her on the face when she fell to the ground”.

Garda Sergeant Gallagher alleged that the teenager made good his escape with the assistance of other youths at the scene.

On September 3 last, Garda Sergeant Gallagher went to the teenager’s home to arrest him. “As he was being handcuffed he head-butted me on the nose, causing a fracture.”

Later that day as the teenager was being brought to court he allegedly head-butted another garda who was also left with a fractured nose.

Defence solicitor, Mr John Quinn, pleaded for the case to be retained in the jurisdiction of the Children’s Court. However, Judge Smyth refused and held that the case should be sent forward to the Circuit Court.

The teenager, whose parents were present for the case, was further remanded in custody to St Patrick’s Institution to appear again in four weeks pending the preparation of a book of evidence.