Boy, 15, facing 40 charges, 'outstanding in his own field and it is not a good field', judge says

Judge told the teenager at Cork District Court she had spent four years presiding over the juvenile court in Cork and she had never seen any young person on so many driving charges

Charges faced by the teenager span from July 2024 up to January 7 this year, and consisted of unauthorised taking of cars, causing criminal damage and possession of a knife, court heard. Picture: Dan Linehan

A 15-year-old facing a “shocking catalogue” of charges was warned by a district court judge to stay well away from cars because he is “outstanding in his own field and it is not a good field”.

Judge Mary Dorgan told the teenager at Cork District Court she had spent four years presiding over the juvenile court in Cork and she had never seen any young person on so many driving charges.

Garda Ross McCabe arrested and brought him before Cork District Court on Thursday on 14 new charges. Before Thursday he was already facing 26 charges.

Judge Dorgan said: “15 years of age, now facing 40 separate matters. It is a shocking catalogue of very significant crime.

“He is outstanding in his own field and it is not a good field.” 

The charges faced by the teenager span from July 2024 up to January 7 this year, and Garda McCabe said they consisted of unauthorised taking of cars, causing criminal damage and possession of a knife.

The latest charges relate to a range of different locations including Cork City, Crosshaven, Ballincollig, Wilton, Douglas, Frankfield, Bishopstown and Gurranabraher.

Sergeant John Dineen said there was an objection to bail being granted to the accused. However, a remand in custody would have to be to Oberstown detention centre and the probation service confirmed on Thursday no bed was available.

Judge Dorgan remanded the teenager on bail until March 11, asking the probation officer: “If you could convey to Oberstown how disappointed the court is that there is no bed in Oberstown.” 

When Judge Dorgan spoke to the youth about the seriousness of the charges, he said: “I am not going robbing cars anymore. I’m genuinely trying to change myself.” 

When the judge added a bail condition required by the gardaí for him to stay away from four other named young people he said: “I stopped talking to them a month and a half ago.”