Teenager claims gardaí kicked him

A 16-year-old boy claimed he was kicked by six gardaí when he was arrested for public order offences at Halloween, a court has heard.

The teenager was charged at the Children’s Court today with failing to leave the vicinity and engaging in threatening behaviour, in Finglas, in Dublin, in the early hours of November 1 last.

Garda Paul Priestley of Finglas station told Judge Bryan Smyth that after the boy was charged he replied: “Why did six gardaí kick me up and down the field? I have witnesses as well.”

Defence solicitor Mr Garreth Noble said he was seeking disclosure of the prosecution evidence.

He also sought a copy of the custody record to be furnished which he said would contain details of the doctor who attended the Garda station.

Judge Smyth remanded the teenager, who was accompanied to court by his mother, on bail to appear again next month when pleas are to be entered.

He also granted legal aid to the teenage boy, who is taking part in an educational and training course.