Teen admits role in gang attack on Pakistani man

A then 13-year-old boy, who beat a Pakistani national with a metal pole during an unprovoked gang attack in Dublin, has been remanded on bail pending sentence.

The boy, now aged 14, pleaded guilty at the Dublin Children's Court to possessing a metal pole as a weapon and assault causing harm to the man, who is in his 30s, at the South Circular Road, on June 17 last year.

Garda Mark Bolger told Judge Michael Coghlan that the victim had been going home when he was set on by four youths.

The boy “used a metal rod to strike the injured party, he was arrested close to the scene,” the garda said adding that the teen made admissions in relation to his role in the attack.

Gda Bolger agreed that the boy had been co-operative on his arrest and had no prior criminal convictions

The man, who was repeatedly hit in the gang attack, was in shock and in tears after the assault. He suffered cuts to his face, but did not seek medical attention.

Defence solicitor John Quinn said the boy, who was accompanied to his hearing by a family member, had done the Junior Certificate and hoped to complete his secondary school education.

He said that in view of the teen's age, the court may need to have a pre-sentence probation report prepared.

Judge Coghlan agreed to request the report and adjourned the case until a date in September.

A 15-year-old boy, who beat the man about his face with a garden rake during the unprovoked attack, has already pleaded guilty to an assault charge. The court has heard that he instigated the attack and he is to face sentencing in July.

Two witnesses intervened and may have prevented the Pakistani man from more serious injuries, the court has also heard.