Teen caught swinging nail-studded bat at pedestrians
A 17-year-old boy, who was caught walking down a street swinging a nail studded baton as passers-by had to jump out of his way, has been remanded in custody pending sentence.
The teenager pleaded guilty at the Dublin Children’s Court to possessing the baton as an offensive weapon, on North Great Charles Street, Dublin 1, on December 13 last. He also admitted other charges for travelling in a stolen car, skipping court, obstruction of a garda and attempted car theft.
Garda Mark Pender, of the Bridewell Station, told Judge Bryan Smyth that on the afternoon of December 13 last the boy "had been walking down North Great Charles Street recklessly swinging a baton over his head. People had to get out of his way. The baton had a nail protruding through the end of it."
Garda Niamh Shelley described how in another incident the boy ran at gardaí after had got out of a stolen car and then obstructed them as they tried to make an arrest.
Judge Smyth was told that the boy, who was supported in court by his father, had two previous convictions, for drug dealing and criminal damage offences.
In mitigation the court was told that the boy had been in part-time employment, was "easily led" and had been in the company of older individuals when most of the offences were committed. Alcohol had been a factor, counsel also said.
Judge Smyth agreed to order a pre-sentence probation report and adjourned the case until May 16 next. He refused to grant bail to the teen who had been remanded in custody to St Patrick’s Institution four weeks ago for breaking bail conditions.
The teen had been ordered to reside at his family’s address, but for a spell had left his home and as a result was later remanded in custody, the court was told.
