Teen sentenced to six months for arson

A 15-year-old Dublin boy has been detained for six months for an arson at a school building which caused nearly €115,000 worth of damage.

The teenager, who had been out of the education system since December 2007, pleaded guilty today at the Dublin Children's Court to a litany of public order, trespassing, criminal damage and theft charges committed over the last two years.

Thirteen gardaí had pressed charges against the boy over his drink and drug fuelled crimes where he also wrecked cars and vandalised shops.

Garda Aoife O'Brien told the court that on July 14, 2008, there had been a fire caused by arson at the St Brigid's Church Hall, a school building on the Howth Road, in north Dublin.

“Three youths were identified from CCTV, the accused made some admissions and pleaded guilty,” Judge Timothy Lucey was told. Some €114,900 worth of damage was caused by the blaze.

A garda inspector told the court that the boy was normally “articulate and pleasant” and came from a good home. However, when the teen, who had no prior convictions, took alcohol and drugs “he is a very different 15-year-old boy.”

Defence solicitor Michelle Finan said her client had anger management problems which had been identified when he was in primary school. Alcohol and drug abuse were also factors in his offending, she submitted.

She said that the boy's parents separated when he was at a young age but since his bail was revoked four weeks ago, his behaviour has improved and he has started preparing for the Junior Certificate.

Imposing a six-month term for the arson, Judge Lucey said that the court and the Probation Service had given the teenager a number of opportunities to change but he had not engaged. There was no option left but to impose a custodial sentence.

He noted from background reports furnished to the court that the teenager was intelligent and had a “lot going for him.” He said the boy, who was accompanied to his case by his mother, could “make something of his life” but needed to stay off alcohol and drugs and to have his anger problems addressed.

A consecutive three-month term was suspended on condition he kept the peace and remained sober for the following six months, in relation to other acts of criminal damage, trespassing, petty theft and a minor assault at his home when he became agitated at gardaí and attempted to arm himself with a knife from his kitchen.