Judge orders tearaway teen to do housework
A 15-year-old Dublin boy, who went on the rampage in his home and punched a hole through a wall, was ordered by a judge today to do household chores, for the next six months.
The teen had pleaded guilty at the Children's Court to causing criminal damage at his south Dublin home on a date last May, when his mother had to call the gardaí over his unruly behaviour.
Garda Jamie Ryan had told the court that the boy “became aggressive and broke cups and plates.”
“He entered his bedroom and pulled curtains from the wall and punched a hole in the wall,” he had said adding that the boy said “sorry” when he was charged.
The schoolboy, who had no prior criminal convictions, has since made up with his mother over his behaviour, and is facing no other charges, the court was told.
During his hearing last month the boy's mother agreed that there were no other problems, “just his attitude towards me.”
The case had been adjourned until today for a probation report to be obtained. The court had opted for a family welfare conference plan, where the Probation Service, would agree with the boy and his mother, to a plan of restorative justice activities.
Judge Clare Leonard heard today that the teen had not come to further garda attention and was willing to adhere to the conditions of the action plan.
She ordered the boy to attend school , not to lose his temper at home when his parents say “No”, attend sporting clubs, “clean his room and do cooking".
The teen was also ordered to attend “family therapy".
The case was adjourned until September when the court will learn whether or not he has stuck to the deal.
The charges will be struck out leaving no recorded convictions if he fully abides by the plan and does not come to further Garda attention.
