Street attack boy to stay in custody

A 15-year-old boy, who kicked a Chinese man's head “like it was a football,” during a brutal gang attack in Dublin, was further remanded in custody today.

The schoolboy has pleaded guilty at the Dublin Children's Court to assault causing harm at Sean McDermott Street, on May 31 last.

Last week, a new charge was brought against the boy for damaging several doors at an apartment building in north inner city Dublin on October 25 last.

The teen was willing to be held custody at the Trinity House detention centre, for a behavioural and, if necessary, a psychological assessment.

A probation officer had told the court that while the boy is in custody a “behavioural, family and social history” of him could be carried out.

Judge Bryan Smyth had then ordered the assessments, revoked the boy's bail and remanded him in custody. Today he noted that it would take another three weeks for the assessments of the boy to be completed and a report furnished to the court.

The teenager, who was accompanied to his case by his family, was further remanded in custody to appear again on a date next month.

Earlier, Garda Cian Farrelly had said that the victim was knocked to the ground and the boy with two others started to kick and punch him. They “stamped” on his body and head, the court has heard.

At one point as his two accomplices were kicking the victim, the boy leaned into him and punched him in the face. The victim was left with cuts and marks to his face, back and hands.

Garda Farrelly described the attack as “absolutely brutal” and the worst he had ever seen.

He had also said that the boy kicked the man in the head “like it was a football” and “showed no remorse.”

The teen, who has no prior convictions, has also admitted two counts of trespassing at underground car parks in north inner city Dublin and interference with one vehicle parked there, which happened a day before the attack.