Garda attack teen ordered to write letter of apology

A 16-year-old boy was remanded on continuing bail today pending sentence for an attack on a Garda who was repeatedly punched and kicked in the face as he lay on the ground

The boy, who had no prior convictions, had pleaded guilty at the Children’s Court in July to assault of Garda Ciara McGrath, assault causing harm to Garda Keith Grant, obstructing the officers and travelling as a passenger in a stolen car, in Cabra, in Dublin, on January 9 last.

Judge Ann Ryan adjourned sentencing the teenager after noting that he was due to commence an eight-week crime diversion programme run by the Probation Service. She also said she wanted the teenager to write a letter of apology to the gardaí he attacked.

The boy, who was accompanied to court by his parents, was remanded to appear again for sentencing in January next year.

Detective Garda James McDevitt told the court that a car had been stolen and driven to Cabra where it was written off following a crash. He said that Garda McGrath and Garda Grant attempted to arrest the boy’s accomplice.

The teenager intervened and attacked Garda Grant. “He punched him a number of times to the face,” Det-Gda McDevitt said.

Garda Grant fell to the ground at which point the accused “punched and kicked him.”

He said Garda Grant suffered bruising to his face and was out of work for three weeks following the attack.

Garda Ciara McGrath was struck in the face when she tried to assist her colleague but did not receive an injury.

The court heard that the boy was attending anger management and addiction counselling. The defence had submitted that he “was led astray” after falling under the influence of older youths.

The court had also been told that the boy had developed a “drug and drink problem”, had lost his job but was planning to start a training course.