Father tells court he is 'sick' of son's behaviour

A father told a court today that he was “sick” of his teenage son's behaviour as the teen was remanded in custody after he allegedly led gardaí on a car chase in north Dublin.

The 17-year-old boy appeared at the Dublin Children's Court charged with careless driving and motor theft, following an alleged pursuit, in the Whitehall area, in the early hours of this morning.

Garda Ciaran Murrihy objected to bail and told Judge Bryan Smyth that further charges could be brought against the youth.

The teenager, who allegedly stole a car from Collins Avenue, was involved a traffic pursuit, Gda Murrihy said.

“There will be a number of dangerous driving charges coming from the pursuit, a file has to be submitted to the DPP,” he also told the court.

The teen's parents were not present when the case was called. The judge heard from the garda that the boy's father is “not willing to come to court, in fact he has had enough of him”.

Gda Murrihy said the father had no control over the teen.

When the father arrived, he told Judge Smyth that his son would not abide by bail conditions.

From the back of the courtroom he said: “He is not listening to me at all. I am sick of this, he is gone for two or three days, and does not come back, does not answer his phone, I think he is on drink or drugs.

“If he gets out it will be the same thing all over again,” he also said, adding: “I am sick of it”.

Defence counsel Ronan Guckian asked the judge to note that another relative of the boy was prepared to take him if he were released. However, she was not present for the hearing.

Judge Smyth noted further evidence adduced by Garda Murrihy in his objection to bail and he remanded the teenager in custody for one week.

The boy's lawyer asked for legal aid to be granted. He said that the teenager could not afford his solicitor's fees, adding that the boy does casual labour work.

“No,” the youth's father then said, “he does nothing.”

Legal aid was granted to the boy, who did not address the court.