Latest news with #GardaYouthDiversionProgramme
The Journal
2 days ago
- The Journal
Boy (14) accused of firebomb attack which ‘gutted' family home and killed pet husky in Dublin
A 14-YEAR-OLD BOY showed no remorse for taking part in a firebomb attack that destroyed an innocent family's home in Dublin and killed their pet husky trapped in the blaze, a court heard. The teenager, charged with arson of the house on Landen Road, Ballyfermot, which was left gutted on May 21, was denied bail today. The teen was remanded to the Oberstown Children Detention Campus after appearing before Judge Maire Conneely at Dublin District Court. The boy cannot be named because he is a juvenile with the right to anonymity. He made no reply when charged ahead of his court appearance after he was deemed unsuitable for inclusion in the Garda Youth Diversion Programme. Objecting to bail due to the seriousness of the case, Garda Alan McGinty recounted that at 2:28 am, gardaí responded to a report of a domestic fire at the home. They learned that one resident was asleep in the living room, but he woke to the sound of glass smashing and found the room was on fire. The man's wife, son and their dog were in the property at the time. He alerted his wife and son, and they got out, but the pet husky 'was still trapped inside and died in the fire'. The court heard the innocent family's home was 'totally' destroyed in the attack, after which a witness overheard a male yell 'wrong house'. Evidence was given that two males in balaclavas arrived at the house on an electric bicycle, and the defendant was allegedly the driver, while his passenger carried and threw the burning petrol can. Images of the scene were handed over to the court, which also heard there was CCTV footage, but the judge held it was unnecessary to view the video. She noted allegations that a jerrycan of petrol was bought at a service station three hours before the incident and brought to and hidden in bushes at a building in the Dolphin's Barn area. It was alleged that shortly before 2:30 am, two males arrived in a taxi, put on balaclavas, and travelled to Landen Road on an electric bicycle. Garda McGinty alleged that they could be tracked on CCTV, and after the arson, they returned to the Dolphin's Barn area and handed the electric bicycle back to another person. It was alleged that the boy and another male went away in a taxi, and the vehicle's dashcam footage has been retrieved, leading to his identification. Advertisement The jacket he allegedly wore in the taxi was found during a search of his home. Garda McGinty stated that during the interview, the teenager, who has no prior criminal convictions, showed no remorse. The boy, supported in court by his mother and other family members, sat silently at the side of the courtroom and has not yet indicated a plea. The judge noted that no bail terms would alleviate the concerns of the investigation team. A decision has yet to be made on his trial venue, but defence barrister Kevin McCrave submitted it was likely the case would go to the Circuit Court, which has greater sentencing powers. He submitted that refusal of bail would mean he could be held for a year before his trial and disrupt his education. He urged the judge to note that the teenager would abide by a myriad of strict conditions available to the court. Referencing the Children's Act, he cited the law, which sets out that detention should be a last resort. He stressed the teen had the presumption of innocence, no prior convictions, or history of drug abuse or failing to appear in court, and there was no witness intimidation evidence. However, Judge Conneely held that the garda had established a case for refusing bail and remanded the boy in custody to appear at the Children's Court on Wednesday. On Friday, a 15-year-old boy, also accused of arson, was denied bail too after a judge heard a description of the video evidence. 'This male passenger walks into the driveway, sets the jerrycan alight, throws a stone through the window, and throws the jerrycan full of petrol into the sitting room where the occupant of the house is sleeping, and the house is set alight,' Detective Garda Michael McNulty had told the Children's Court. That boy, who also has the right to anonymity due to his age, will appear again on Friday. Adult co-defendant Curtis Stafford, 23, of Rutland Grove, Crumlin, appeared before Judge Paula Murphy at Dublin District Court on Friday, also facing a connected arson charge. Garda Kevin Coller alleged Mr Stafford, who has still to enter a plea, purchased the jerrycan of petrol used in the incident. The unemployed man was refused bail and was remanded in custody to appear again on July 11. All three have been granted legal aid.
RTÉ News
2 days ago
- RTÉ News
Teen, 14, in court over petrol bomb attack of Dublin home
A 14-year-old has been charged in connection with a petrol bomb attack at a home in Dublin in May earlier this year. He was charged with arson of the house on Landen Road in Ballyfermot on 21 May. The three occupants were treated for non-life-threatening injuries but their family dog died in the blaze. The teen was remanded to the Oberstown Children Detention Campus after appearing before Judge Maire Conneely at Dublin District Court. The boy cannot be named because he is a juvenile with the right to anonymity. He made no reply when charged ahead of his court appearance after he was deemed unsuitable for inclusion in the Garda Youth Diversion Programme. Gardaí objected to bail due to the seriousness of the case. The judge noted that no bail terms would alleviate the concerns of the investigation team. A decision has yet to be made on his trial venue, but defence barrister Kevin McCrave submitted it was likely the case would go to the Circuit Court, which has greater sentencing powers. He submitted that refusal of bail would mean he could be held for a year before his trial and disrupt his education. He urged the judge to note that the teenager would abide by a myriad of strict conditions available to the court. Referencing the Children's Act, he cited the law, which sets out that detention should be a last resort. He stressed the teen had the presumption of innocence, no prior convictions, or history of drug abuse or failing to appear in court, and there was no witness intimidation evidence. However, Judge Conneely held that the garda had established a case for refusing bail and remanded the boy in custody to appear at the Children's Court on Wednesday. Yesterday, a 15-year-old boy, also accused of arson, was denied bail too. That boy, who also has the right to anonymity due to his age, will appear again on Friday. Adult co-defendant Curtis Stafford, 23, of Rutland Grove, Crumlin, appeared before Judge Paula Murphy at Dublin District Court on Friday, also facing a connected arson charge. The man was refused bail and was remanded in custody to appear again on 11 July. All three have been granted legal aid.
Sunday World
5 days ago
- Sunday World
Teens ‘completely destroyed' brand new sensory room in Dublin for children with autism
A 15-year-old schoolboy pleaded guilty to burglary of the River Valley Community Centre, Swords, which was ransacked on August 18, 2023 Teenagers completely destroyed a brand new sensory room in Dublin for children with autism, which was "trashed" a week before its unveiling, a court has heard. A 15-year-old schoolboy pleaded guilty to burglary of the River Valley Community Centre, Swords, which was ransacked on August 18, 2023. Sentencing was adjourned at the Dublin Children's Court on Tuesday pending the preparation of a pre-sanction report. Judge Shalom Binchy saw a list of the damaged specialised fixtures and fittings: padded door and wall, foam materials, an ocean effect projector, balls, a sensory tube, a mirror, steps, a railing, and other items in the room. Garda Jordan Martin described the scene afterwards as "completely destroyed, it was trashed". The court heard the four youths had gone when gardai went to the centre at 9.40 pm and saw a door had been opened. Garda Martin said it had been recently refurbished with a new sensory room for children with autism from the locality. CCTV evidence from the building led to the identification of the accused, then aged 13, and three other boys who gained entry by force; however, there was no footage from inside the sensory room. Garda Martin said they were responsible for substantial damage, which cost €12,178 to repair. The room was due to be unveiled the following week, but that had to be delayed. Defence solicitor Brian Keenan acknowledged the seriousness of the incident, which he added was aggravated by the fact that it was a facility for children who needed it the most. The teenager did not give evidence, but his solicitor said he was apologetic and was pleading guilty. Mr Keenan pleaded with the judge not to send the case to the Circuit Court, which has greater sentencing powers, and to note his age and level of maturity at the time were important factors. He asked the judge to note that the Director of Public Prosecutions recommended the case be dealt with in the Children's Court, which could consider a maximum one-year term, and which Mr Keenan argued was sufficient to deal with the case. The boy, who cannot be named because he is a juvenile with the legal right to anonymity, accepted that he "pulled at" some items in the room. The court heard he was still in school, keeping his head down, not coming to Garda attention, and was engaging with a social care services provider in Dublin. The other boys involved in the incident avoided a court prosecution after being found eligible for the Garda Youth Diversion Programme, which aims to prevent young offenders and children involved in anti-social behaviour from reoffending. However, the defendant was not suitable for that approach and was charged. Dublin Children's Court Today's News in 90 Seconds - July 2nd Judge Binchy accepted jurisdiction due to his age at the time, his guilty plea and how gardai dealt with the other participants. The boy, accompanied to court by his father and a family support worker, was remanded on bail to appear again later this month. Judge Binchy stressed that it was a very serious matter and expected full compliance from the teenager who was referred to the Probation Service to draft a pre-sentence report.
The Journal
6 days ago
- The Journal
Teen pleads guilty after sensory room for autistic children 'trashed' a week before opening
TEENAGERS COMPLETELY DESTROYED a brand new sensory room in Dublin for autistic children, which was 'trashed' a week before its unveiling, a court has heard. A 15-year-old schoolboy pleaded guilty to burglary of the River Valley Community Centre, Swords, which was ransacked on 18 August 2023. Sentencing was adjourned at the Dublin Children's Court today pending the preparation of a pre-sanction report. Judge Shalom Binchy saw a list of the damaged specialised fixtures and fittings: padded door and wall, foam materials, an ocean effect projector, balls, a sensory tube, a mirror, steps, a railing, and other items in the room. Garda Jordan Martin described the scene afterwards as 'completely destroyed, it was trashed'. The court heard the four youths were gone when gardaí went to the centre at 9.40pm and saw a door had been opened. Martin said it had been recently refurbished with a new sensory room for autistic children from the locality. CCTV evidence from the building led to the identification of the accused, then aged 13, and three other boys who gained entry by force; however, there was no footage from inside the sensory room. Garda Martin said they were responsible for substantial damage, which cost €12,178 to repair. The room was due to be unveiled the following week, but that had to be delayed. Advertisement Defence solicitor Brian Keenan acknowledged the seriousness of the incident, which he added was aggravated by the fact that it was a facility for children who needed it the most. The teenager did not give evidence, but his solicitor said he was apologetic and was pleading guilty. Keenan pleaded with the judge not to send the case to the Circuit Court, which has greater sentencing powers, and to note his age and level of maturity at the time were important factors. He asked the judge to note that the Director of Public Prosecutions recommended the case be dealt with in the Children's Court, which could consider a maximum one-year term, and which Keenan argued was sufficient to deal with the case. The boy, who cannot be named because he is a juvenile with the legal right to anonymity, accepted that he 'pulled at' some items in the room. The court heard he was still in school, keeping his head down, not coming to Garda attention, and was engaging with a social care services provider in Dublin. The other boys involved in the incident avoided a court prosecution after being found eligible for the Garda Youth Diversion Programme, which aims to prevent young offenders and children involved in anti-social behaviour from reoffending. However, the defendant was not suitable for that approach and was charged. Judge Binchy accepted jurisdiction due to his age at the time, his guilty plea and how gardai dealt with the other participants. The boy, accompanied to court by his father and a family support worker, was remanded on bail to appear again later this month. Judge Binchy stressed that it was a very serious matter and expected full compliance from the teenager who was referred to the Probation Service to draft a pre-sentence report.
RTÉ News
30-05-2025
- RTÉ News
Investigation into incident at Dublin city schoolyard
A teenager was arrested and a garda investigation is under way after an incident in a schoolyard in Dublin's south inner city this week. According to eyewitnesses, a teenage boy wielding a knife chased a man on to the grounds of St James's Primary School on Basin View lane in Dublin 8, and punched and threatened him, before being confronted by staff at the school who managed to get the boy out of the schoolyard. The teenager returned with an older woman a few minutes later and shouted obscenities at the man, who is a foreign national. He also shouted "Dublin 8 says no". Three weeks ago an encampment was set up close to the school on Basin View, by anti-immigration protesters who are objecting to the opening of a second IPAS centre on the lane. Under tricolours, protesters have hung a large banner which reads 'D8 says no'. This is the name those involved have given to their campaign. The encampment is close to two primary schools and one secondary school on the narrow city thoroughfare which is nestled between the new children's hospital and the Guinness complex. Signs have also been hung which say 'Keep our children safe'. The attack at the school took place shortly before 9pm on Wednesday morning and was witnessed by a number of children who had yet to enter the school building, as well as their parents. According to eyewitnesses the boy shouted about 'paedophiles' as he attacked the man. It is understood that the man was waiting outside the school as a friend who was with him dropped off his child. Gardaí, including the Armed Support Unit, attended the scene and the boy was arrested a short time later and detained before being released. An Garda Síochána said: "Gardaí attended the scene of an alleged assault and public order incident at Basin Street, Dublin 8 on Wednesday 28th May 2025 at approximately 8.45am. "A male youth was arrested in relation to the incident. He has since been released and a file will now be prepared for the Garda Youth Diversion Programme." Under the Children's Act it is for the Garda Youth Diversion Programme to decide whether or not the file should be sent on to the DPP for prosecution in the courts. Gardaí say their investigation is ongoing. The anti-immigration encampment is directly beside and facing the entrance to a second primary school, Canal Way Educate Together. It is outside a premises which is currently being converted into residential accommodation with a view to housing asylum seekers. An adjacent building already houses around 20 people seeking International Protection. Wednesday's attack follows rising tensions locally over recent weeks as a result of the encampment and concern as to its potential impact. Protest 'hijacked', locals say Locals say the protest was originally established by local parents who are opposed to a second Direct Provision centre opening on the lane and say the area has been neglected for too long and has very few services, but locals say this original protest has been "hijacked" by others with sinister motives. "The protest has been hijacked by people who are trying to stir up hate and racism and this [attack] is a direct result of their actions," one person told RTÉ News. "That innocent gentleman who was just waiting for another parent was attacked and could have been stabbed or badly injured," they added. Speaking about the encampment a parent said: "It's absolutely intimidating. There's dogs, there's drugs - you can smell the stench of weed. The whole thing is absolutely intimidating for children and families." Of the attack that took place in the schoolyard on Wednesday the parent said: "Everybody is rattled". Also on Wednesday, a number of local organisations, including Basin View's two primary schools, met to discuss their concerns about rising tensions. The meeting was arranged before the attack happened. On Thursday, the organisations jointly published a leaflet. The leaflet states: "We are concerned by the small minority who intimidate children, parents, teachers, and workers. We want this intimidation to stop we want to work with you to make it stop. "We are writing this because we care about the safety of our community and believe that misinformation, hate and violence have no place here. We believe everyone here deserves to be safe, no matter the color of their skin." Warning that what is happening is "hurting children", the leaflet says: "Fear, lies and panic spread very easily on social media, and lead to people being targeted based on the color of their skin."
