Courts / Ireland / Report
"Tortured" teen who tried to murder woman he met online couldn't get bed at mental health unit
Summary
During a sentencing hearing on 7 October 2019, the mother of a 17‑year‑old boy who attempted to murder 25‑year‑old Stephanie Ng spoke to Mr Justice Michael White. She said her son is remorseful and takes full responsibility. The boy met Ng on the Whisper app, pretending to be 19, and tried to kill her on 23 December 2017 at Sea Front, Queen's Road, Dun Laoghaire. He grabbed her, choked her, and slashed her neck. The mother explained that the boy had been hearing voices since secondary school, had attempted suicide at 14, and had been denied a bed at Linn Dara and Pieta House. He later hanged himself at home but was saved by his father. He has since been prescribed anti‑psychotic medication and has completed his Junior Certificate and written over 30 short stories. The defence requested a period of detention followed by supervision after he turns 18, citing uncertain diagnosis. The unnamed teenager pleaded guilty.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: "Tortured" teen who tried to murder woman he met online couldn't get bed at mental health unit. Charges or matters: attempting to murder Stephanie Ng on 23rd December 2017 at Sea Front, Queen's Road, Dun Laoghaire. Procedural stage: sentence
When:
- 23rd December 2017 Other
- December 23 Other
- November 4 Adjournment
- Christmas Day Other
- 2019-10-07 Publication
Why: " The boy, who cannot be named because he is a minor, is now aged 17. CNI source report
Case subjects
Defendant
Charges: attempting to murder Stephanie Ng on 23rd December 2017 at Sea Front, Queen's Road, Dun Laoghaire (Admitted)
Plea: Guilty
Outcome: Speaking during a sentence hearing today, the boy's mother told Mr Justice Michael White that her son is sorry for what he did and takes full responsibility.; Mr Justice Michael White said he will require some time to consider sentencing and adjourned until November 4.
Places mentioned
- Central Criminal Court
- Queen's Road
- Pieta House
Topics
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