A 14-yr-old boy from Ennis has appeared before the courts in connection with a series of alleged car thefts in east Clare and south Galway earlier this week, reports Breaking News.
Appearing at Ennis District Children’s Court, the schoolboy, who was accompanied by his grandmother, faced allegations relating to the unlawful taking of three vehicles and an attempted entry into a fourth in Gort, south Galway, and Scarriff, east Clare, on Wednesday, reports Breaking News.
The teenager is also charged with two burglary offences and with criminal damage to one of the vehicles he is accused of unlawfully taking.
When Judge Alec Gabbett asked the boy why he was before the court, the teenager replied, “stealing cars”, reports Breaking News.
The youth first appeared at a special late-night sitting of Ennis District Court on Wednesday in relation to the alleged offences and was granted bail to reappear before the court on Friday.
When Judge Gabbett asked whether he had returned to school since that first court appearance, the boy replied “not yet – I’d no runners”, reports Breaking News.
The teenager explained that gardaí had taken his runners and that he only received a new pair on Friday.
Judge Gabbett responded: “You weren’t going to school without the runners, so”, reports Breaking News.
Judge Gabbett said gardaí would have seized the runners for forensic examination as part of their investigation into the alleged incidents.
The boy told the judge that he would be returning to school on Monday, reports Breaking News.
Judge Gabbett told him: “You need to get back to school. And what about physical activity? Have you thought about that? Getting fit? I want you to be busy and active”, reports Breaking News.
Judge Gabbett also said he would appoint Extern, a service that supports young people who appear before the courts.
In the case, the 14-year-old is charged with the unlawful taking of vehicles registered 231 G, 06 G and 141 LS from Gallaghers Lane, Glenbrack, Gort, Co Galway; Keehan Cleaners on the Ennis Road, Gort, Co Galway; and Church Street, Scarriff, without the consent of their owners on Wednesday, February 4th, reports Breaking News.
The alleged offences are said to be contrary to Section 112 of the Road Traffic Act, 1961.
The boy is also accused of attempting to enter another vehicle at Cloonahaha, Gort, on February 4th, reports Breaking News.
He is further charged with burglary at Keehan Cleaners on the Ennis Road in Gort, Co Galway, and at a property on Church Street, Scarriff, as well as criminal damage to a 141 LS registered vehicle at Church Street, Scarriff, on February 4th.
Judge Gabbett granted legal aid to solicitor Daragh Hassett to represent the accused, reports Breaking News.
Judge Gabbett further remanded the teenager on bail, imposing strict conditions after being informed that no bed was available at the Oberstown detention facility in Lusk, Co Dublin.
Under the bail conditions, the boy must comply with an 8pm to 8am garda-policed curfew, stay out of Galway and Scarriff, not travel in a vehicle unless accompanied by a parent or grandparent, and sign on at Ennis Garda Station on Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays, reports Breaking News.
Judge Gabbett again remanded the 14-year-old on bail to await DPP directions, with the case listed to return before Ennis District Court on February 18th.
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