Sixteen-year-old charged with possession of €26,000 worth of cocaine
20/09/2010 - 14:52:16A 16-year-old boy has been charged at the Dublin Children's Court with possessing more than €26,000 worth of cocaine.
The west Dublin teenager made no reply the court heard today when he was charged with possessing cocaine for sale or supply, at his home address and at another location nearby, on date in January last.
The value of the drugs allegedly seized was not stated, however, the boy who was aged 15 at the time, also faced two further related charges.
Both were under Section 15A of the Misuse of Drugs Act which involves quantities in excess of €13,000, which can on conviction on indictment, also result in a minimum 10-year sentence.
Judge Bryan Smyth also heard that the DPP had recommended that the case was suitable to be sent forward for trial on indictment to the Circuit Court, which has wider sentencing powers than the Children's Court.
Judge Bryan Smyth remanded the boy, who was accompanied to his case by his mother, on bail to appear again in two weeks.
The defence will then make submissions under Section 75 of the Children Act pleading for the case to be kept in the jurisdiction of the juvenile court.
This section of the legislation sets out grounds where the court can retain jurisdiction for a case involving serious allegations, by taking into consideration the age and level of maturity of a juvenile defendant - a person under the age of 18.
Defence solicitor Gareth Noble applied for legal aid to be granted to his client, “given the gravity of the charge”.
Judge Smyth noted that the boy is in full-time education and acceded to the request.
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