Teen sent for trial over €11k drugs haul at age of 14

A 16-year-old boy, who was allegedly found with more than €11,000 worth of heroin and drug dealing paraphernalia his bedroom, has been served with a book of evidence and sent forward for trial before a judge and jury.

The boy had been charged at the Children's Court with possessing heroin for sale or supply at his south Dublin home, on a date in December, 2008. He was aged 14 at the time.

However, it had been held that the teenager's case was too serious to be kept in the jurisdiction of the juvenile court and should be sent forward for trial to the Dublin Circuit Criminal Court, which has wider sentencing powers.

The boy, who is on bail, was served with a book of evidence and notified by Judge Patrick Clyne that if he intended to rely on an alibi as part of his defence, he must notify the prosecution within 14 days.

Accompanied to his case by his mother and an older sibling, the teen replied “yes” when asked if he understood.

Judge Clyne granted legal aid and made an order sending the boy forward for trial at the next term of the Circuit Court.

In an outline of the prosecution's allegations, the Children's Court had been told that a search warrant was obtained and gardaí went to the boy's home. “In his bedroom, diamorphine (heroin) to the value of €11,595 was found along with a weigh scales and bagging,” the court was told.

The court heard that the boy made admissions and took responsibility for the drugs.

The DPP had recommended that the case should be sent forward to the Circuit Court, which on conviction, has wider sentencing powers.

The defence had made submissions under Section 75 of the Children Act pleading for the case to be retained in the jurisdiction of the juvenile court.

The proceedings had heard earlier that the boy had left school around the time of the alleged drug seizure and did not complete the Junior Certificate. It was submitted that the boy was aged 14 at the time but recently moved to live with extended family and since then has not been getting into trouble.