Youth charged with attempted murder after suspected hit-and-run

A Dublin youth charged with attempted murder in connection with a suspected hit-and-run, which left a man brain damaged, was served with a book of evidence today and sent forward for trial to the Central Criminal Court.

The 24-year-old victim from the Bluebell area, in south Dublin, was hospitalised with brain injuries after he was knocked down at around midday on April 19 last.

A then 17-year-old boy had been charged the following day at the Dublin Children’s Court with dangerous driving at Huband Road, in Bluebell.

However, later at the Children’s Court, the State applied to have that charge withdrawn and for it to be replaced by two others.

The defendant, who is now aged 18 and no longer a juvenile, from La Touche Road, in Bluebell, was charged with attempted murder of Christopher O’Rourke and dangerous driving causing serious bodily harm.

Garda David Gilmore, of Kilmainham station, served the teenager with the book of evidence today.

Judge Bryan Smyth heard that the DPP consented to the youth being returned for trial at the next term of the Central Criminal Court.

Judge Smyth notified the youth that if he intended to use an alibi as part of his defence he must furnish the State with the relevant details within two weeks.

He granted legal aid to the teenager, who is on bail, and made an order sending the case forward for trial.

Bail conditions had earlier been set which included a ban on the defendant going to the Bluebell area and from having any contact with witnesses.

He was also ordered to sign on three times a week at a Garda station.