Mother rang social services 'numerous times' about troubled teenage son

A judge has ordered drug testing of a teenager accused of joyriding and producing a knife during a domestic violence incident.

The boy (aged 16), who has no previous convictions, is charged with assaulting two gardaí at his north Dublin home, on January 14 last. He had been remanded in custody on that date after the Dublin Children's Court heard that he could not offer an address to take up bail.

Last Monday he got bail on condition he resided with an extended family member and he appeared in court again today.

Garda Sergeant Basil Grimes said more charges could be brought against the teenager and sought further time for the DPP's directions to be obtained.

The teenager also admitted travelling as a passenger in a stolen car in north Dublin, on January 6 last.

A solicitor for the HSE said social services would be providing support to the boy.

Judge Leonard sought a probation report on the teen and remanded him to appear again next month. She also noted that his problem was caused by substance abuse and ordered urine analysis to screen him for drug use.

He had been under the influence of drugs when he first appeared in court in January had no recollection of the incident. “He did not even know what he had done when he was arrested,” the judge had said earlier.

Defence solicitor Gareth Noble said that his client, whose mother was present for the case, could look for a place in a training course.

The court had heard that the boy had quit school at the age of 12. He had a history of mental illness and substance abuse which Mr Noble had said “combined together were a catalyst for the terrible incident at his family home”.

The court had also heard that the boy had produced a knife during the incident and his mother has told the judge that: “I rang social services numerous times to help with my son…He was killing my other children.”