Teens face trial for gang attack on Finnish boy

Two youths are to go on trial in January for taking part in a gang attack on a 16-year-old Finnish tourist in Dublin last year.

The 17-year-olds have pleaded not guilty to assault causing harm to the boy on July 18, 2010 at Joyce's Walk, in Dublin 1.

Judge Patrick Clyne heard at the Children's Court that arrangements have been made for the victim to come back to Ireland to give evidence.

Noting that the teens are contesting the case, Judge Clyne set a date in early January for their trial.

The pair, who were accompanied to their case by their mothers, were remanded on continuing bail.

Earlier the court had heard that the Finnish boy had tried to defend his girlfriend when she was attacked by four teenage girls. He was then set on by a group of youths, suffered cuts to his face and needed stitches.

Last month a 17-year-old boy was detained for six months for his role in the attack. In that case the court had heard that he had a cider can which he “smashed into his face three times”. He also punched the victim in the face several times and delivered kicks to his body during the unprovoked attack.

Another youth has been given a three-month suspended sentence for attacking the young tourist.