Teen caught with heroin worth €126,000, court hears

A 17-year-old boy was caught with a kilo of heroin worth €126,000 which he was minding for someone else, the Children’s Court heard today.

The west Dublin boy, who has never been before the courts before, has been charged with possessing the heroin and possession with intent to supply to another, at his home address, on November 6 last year.

Outlining the prosecution evidence, Garda Dominic Downing of Ballyfermot station, told Judge Ann Ryan that it was alleged that “a quantity of heroin was found, approximately €126,000’s worth.”

“The accused was arrested and taken to Lucan station and made full admissions that he was minding the quantity of heroin,” he added.

Defence solicitor Ms Eileen McCabe made submissions provided for under section 75 Children’s Act. That allows the defence to plead for a juvenile’s case involving serious allegations to be retained in the jurisdiction of the Children’s Court rather than being sent forward to the Circuit Criminal Court which has wider sentencing powers.

Garda Downing agreed with Ms McCabe that the teenage defendant, who was accompanied by his mother, had no prior convictions and that this was his first time before the court.

Ms McCabe submitted that if the case was retained in the Children’s Court it could be dealt with “in a speedier manner, allowing him to get on with his life.”

If the case were sent forward to the Circuit Court, that could involve a delay of six to nine months, she said.

She also asked the judge to take into account the defendant’s age and the fact that he had no previous convictions, notwithstanding the fact that the allegations were serious.

“It is very important to him and his family that it be dealt with as quickly as possible,” Ms McCabe informed the judge.

Judge Ryan said that she noted the submissions made by the defence on behalf of the boy but she went on to say she was refusing jurisdiction.

The teenager was remanded on bail to appear again next month when he is to be served with the book of evidence in the case and be sent forward for trial to the Dublin Circuit Criminal Court.