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Judge says she has no option but to imprison 16-year-old boy for burglary
Summary
In a Dublin Circuit Criminal Court hearing, Judge Melanie Greally sentenced a 16‑year‑old boy to two and a half years' detention for burglary at The Avenue, Belgard Heights, Tallaght, on 7 June 2015. The teenager, whose name is withheld, had pleaded guilty and had prior convictions for burglary and drug possession. He and an accomplice were found hiding under a blanket in the house they had broken into. The judge noted the boy had no adult supervision since his mother's death five years earlier and no one in court to support him. She imposed the custodial term with an 18‑month suspended period, subject to strict conditions including engagement with the Probation Service and attendance at any recommended alcohol or drug therapy. The judge expressed hope that the custodial environment would provide the stability needed for the boy's future rehabilitation. The co‑accused has since taken a bench warrant.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Judge says she has no option but to imprison 16-year-old boy for burglary. Charges or matters: burglary at The Avenue, Belgard Heights, Tallaght, Dublin on June 7, 2015. Procedural stage: sentence
When:
- June 7, 2015 Incident
- 2016-02-10 Publication
Why: A 16-year-old boy has been imprisoned after a judge said she felt she had no option because of the lack of adult supervision in his life. CNI source report
Case subjects
Defendant
Charges: burglary at The Avenue, Belgard Heights, Tallaght, Dublin on June 7, 2015 (Admitted)
Plea: Guilty
Outcome: Judge Greally said it was with "deep regret" that she was imposing two and half years detention but she said she felt she had no option.
Places mentioned
- Dublin
- Dublin Circuit Criminal Court
- The Avenue
Topics
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