Teen ordered to work on 'victim awareness' after gang mugging

A 16-year-old boy has been spared a custodial sentence and was placed on probation for nine months for taking part in a gang mugging with a group of girls.

Judge Heather Perrin heard at the Children's Court that the teenager, who has three other criminal convictions for public order and violence at a garda station, was pleading guilty to an attempted robbery at a north side suburb in Dublin, on August 29, 2008.

Garda Marie Geraghty, of Clontarf station, told the court that two females, whose ages were not stated, were approached by a group of girls. The victim was knocked to the ground by the girls who began "kicking and punching her".

During the attack, the accused approached and started to pull her handbag from her and asked her for her mobile phone. The victim, who was left with marks on her face, and her friend were chased from the scene, the court heard.

Judge Perrin noted that the boy, who was accompanied to his case by his mother, had not struck the victim and that her property was recovered.

Solicitor defending, Michelle Finan, said the boy was addressing his alcohol problem and has started addiction counselling. Ms Finan said the teen has stayed out of trouble since, was engaging with the Probation Service to address his offending and had co-operated with gardaí following his arrest.

Judge Perrin ordered a nine-month probation supervisory bond. She explained that the terms of the sanction meant that he must accept the guidance of his probation officer to deal with his offending, take part in sports activities and continue to take part in addiction counselling.

The youth was also ordered to attend a training course and to work with his probation officer to develop “victim awareness”.