Court's 'hands tied' in sentencing of teenager involved in Temple Bar attack, judge says

The boy, who cannot be named for legal reasons, was handed a three-year period of detention after pleading guilty to assault causing harm and violent disorder

Judge Pauline Codd made the general comments during the sentence hearing of a 16-year-old boy who was part of a group of youths who set upon four English tourists in Temple Bar last August. File photo

A judge has said that current legislation which means supervision orders for juveniles are unenforceable once they turn 18 leaves the court's hands “effectively tied” when imposing sentences.

Judge Pauline Codd made the general comments during the sentence hearing of a 16-year-old boy who was part of a group of youths who set upon four English tourists in Temple Bar last August.