Teenager who allegedly kicked female garda in the face served with book of evidence

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 served with a book of evidence.

At the Children’s Court today, Judge Bryan Smyth ordered trial on indictment, sending the case forward 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 gardai, on September 1 and September 3 last. Earlier, Judge Smyth had refused jurisdiction for the case to be kept in the Children’s Court.

In an outline of the prosecution evidence, Garda Sergeant David Gallagher of Store Street station had 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”.

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

On September 3 last, Sgt 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.

The teenager, whose mother was present for the case, was further remanded in custody to St Patrick’s Institution after he was served with the book of evidence yesterday.