Second youth admits helping bust prisoner from custody

A 17-year-old boy has admitted assisting in the escape of a prisoner from garda custody during an incident on Dublin's Ballyfermot Road in March 2012. The youth, who was 15 at the time, pleaded guilty at Dublin Children's Court to charges under Section Six of the Criminal Law Act 1976. According to prosecution evidence, a prisoner remanded by Longford District Court was being transported to Cloverhill Prison when the garda vehicle stopped at traffic lights. Five people approached the car, and the teenager opened the door, enabling the detainee to flee. A garda attempting to prevent the escape was assaulted and briefly lost consciousness. The court noted the defendant did not participate in the attack. His defence counsel highlighted his age at the time, absence of prior convictions, and current engagement with an educational programme. He was remanded on bail pending sentencing in January, when a probation report will be submitted. A second youth charged in connection with the same incident is also awaiting sentencing.