Teen charged with gun possession in attempted robbery case

A teenager charged with possessing a sawn-off shotgun in connection with an attempted robbery at a post office in Finglas, in Dublin last week, has been further remanded in custody with consent to bail.

The 17-year-old boy was charged at the Dublin Children’s Court last week under the Firearms Act for possessing a sawn off double-barrel shotgun, at Collins Place, in Finglas, on December 2.

Judge Bryan Smyth had set bail subject to an independent surety in the sum of €8,000 being approved.

Today he heard that the teenager, who was accompanied to his case by his mother, had not yet been able to take up the bail. He remanded the boy for a further four weeks to allow directions from the DPP to be obtained.

Garda Shane Guinan also told the court that it was possible that further charges could be brought against the teenage boy.

The teenager, who is being held in St Patrick’s Institution, asked to be held at Cloverhill Prison instead.

His counsel said he had mental health problems. However, Judge Smyth said that was not a decision for the court as to where the teenager would be held.

Last week, Garda Guinan told Judge Smyth that the teenager, who cannot be identified because he is a juvenile, made no reply when he was cautioned.

Garda Guinan had objected to bail citing “the nature and seriousness of the offence” which he said carried a maximum sentence of 14 years.

He had told the court it was alleged that people “called to the post mistress’s door on December 2, having knocked at the door several times and attempting to gain entry, the accused and two others left the scene and discarded items, face masks, white suits, duct tape, cable ties and a sawn off shotgun.”

Judge Smyth said he would grant conditional bail but only with an independent surety in the sum of €8,000 given the seriousness of the charge.

The terms attached to his bail stated he must reside at his family’s address, in Co Meath, obey a 9pm to 7am curfew, stay away from the Finglas area and the post mistress’s home, have no contact with witnesses and sign on daily at his local garda station.

Two adult co-defendants have also been charged in connection with the alleged incident.