'Out of control' assault rap girl held

A 17-year-old girl, described as “out of control” and who allegedly smashed a bottle over a man's head, has been refused bail at the Dublin Children's Court.

The girl, who is in care and has admitted to having a drug problem, has been charged with two counts of robbery, attempted robbery and assault causing harm, which allegedly happened in central Dublin's O'Connell Street area on August 3, 5 and 9 last.

She had been remanded in custody on Monday and appeared again today when a bail application was made.

However, Garda James King said he was objecting due to the seriousness of the offences and the teen's lack of a permanent address.

The girl was accompanied to her case by three older sisters and her mother as well as her social worker. She had been residing in out of hours hostel accommodation, which the court was told was where many other young people with drug problems reside.

Garda King said that the girl was “out of control” and during the alleged attempted robbery of a woman she “threatened her to hand over her mobile phone or she would knife her.” He agreed that a weapon was not produced during the incident and when the girl was arrested in the vicinity she was not found in possession of a knife.

Garda King also said that a male was left needing stitches after the girl allegedly struck him to his head with a glass bottle.

Mr Gareth Noble, defence solicitor, said that the teen intended to get treatment for her drug abuse problem.

The girl's older sister told the court that the defendant could reside with her as she had done in the past.

However, Judge Elizabeth MacGrath was also told that she had only stayed three weeks. The court had also heard that the HSE had provided her with a placement in a high support care unit but she refused to take it.

The girl wrote a letter to the judge pleading for bail to be granted to her.

However, Judge MacGrath said that given the seriousness of the alleged offences she would not grant bail to her. She also commended the teen's family for the support they have given to the girl.

She remanded her in custody to appear again next week and ordered that medical attention would be given to her for her drug problem.

Garda King said that directions from the DPP would be expedited given that she is a juvenile and in custody.