Courts / Kildare / Report
Detention for teen who crashed car in to Liffey during garda chase
Summary
A 17-year-old boy has been sentenced to one year's detention at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court following a series of offences committed in April 2016. The teenager pleaded guilty to burglary, dangerous driving, and criminal damage to a bridge after crashing a stolen Hyundai into the River Liffey at Celbridge while evading gardai from a burglary scene in Lucan. Within 48 hours of his release on bail, he assaulted an elderly man and stole his vehicle. Judge Pauline Codd imposed a three-year sentence with the final two years suspended, noting that detention should be a last resort for minors. The court heard evidence that the accused was intoxicated during the chase and was abusing prescribed drugs at the time. His legal counsel submitted that he is now drug-free, has expressed remorse, and is willing to engage with rehabilitation services and address anger management issues.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Detention for teen who crashed car in to Liffey during garda chase. Charges or matters: burglary, dangerous driving and criminal damage to a bridge on April 13, 2016; unlawful use of a car, assault and driving without a licence or insurance on April 15, 2016. Procedural stage: sentence
When:
- April 13, 2016 Incident
- April 15, 2016 Incident
- April 15th 2016 Incident
- 2016-11-14 Publication
Why: The court heard the teenager was arrested after being taken from the water but later released on bail because there was no suitable place for him to stay. Court evidence reported by CNI
Case subjects
Defendant
Charges: burglary, dangerous driving and criminal damage to a bridge on April 13, 2016; unlawful use of a car, assault and driving without a licence or insurance on April 15, 2016 (Admitted)
Plea: Guilty
Outcome: Judge Codd noted that under section 96 of the Children Act 2001 any penalty imposed on a child should take the least restrictive form that was appropriate in the circumstances and detention should be a last resort. She imposed a three year sentence of detention but suspended the final two years.
Places mentioned
Topics
Burglary Drugs Road Traffic Stage Sentence Theft
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