Gang attack teen trial deemed too serious for Children's Court
The case of three teenagers arrested over a gang attack on a man, which was described as an act of “gratuitous violence,” was too serious to be heard in the Children’s Court, a judge ruled today.
The three 17-year-old boys had been charged at the Dublin Children’s Court with engaging in a violent disorder, at the Lower Rathmines Road, in Dublin, on August 12, 2006.
Judge Gerard Haughton held today that in light of the allegations the case should be sent forward to the Dublin Circuit Criminal Court which can impose lengthier sentences.
Garda Dylan Brady, of Rathmines station, told the court it was alleged that the victim, a 26-year-old man, had been playing pool with one of the trio in an amusement arcade. A row broke out and the man left but was followed by the three.
“The defendants followed and tried to get him to fight. A brick was thrown at him. He picked it up and ran at them at which they dispersed.”
The man walked away but was allegedly again followed by the trio.
“They came back at him armed with two crutches and a glass bottle,” Garda Brady said adding that the man was then beaten until he managed to get away.
Judge Haughton said that it was alleged that the three had pursued the man “and caused him reasonably serious injuries but they were armed with weapons in a case of gratuitous violence.”
He remanded the three south Dublin teens who were accompanied to court by family members on bail to appear again next month when they are to be served with books of evidence in the case and returned for trial to the Circuit Court.
Solicitor Catherine Ghent, representing one of the defendants pleaded for the case to be retained in the jurisdiction of the Children’s Court. She said her client had a troubled family background; some of his siblings had been put into care but he has managed to continue attending training courses over recent years.
Judge Haughton said he would not change his decision saying that it was more appropriate for the Circuit Court which has its wider sentencing powers to deal with the case and all of the defendants.
