Judge fines Kerry father for ‘reckless’ Christmas fireworks
The KerrymanA judge condemned a Kerry father for ‘reckless behaviour’ for lighting fireworks near his children on Christmas Day.
The Dingle District Court heard allegations that Michael Boyle (45) of 6 Lithe Saoire Na Cluainte, Baile an Fheirteraigh, Kerry ignited fireworks near his children at their home at 11.50am on Christmas Day in 2023.
The fireworks burned one of his children’s legs, Sergeant Chris Manton said.
The defendant’s solicitor, Nuala Liston, noted her client had gone through a “rather acrimonious” separation from his partner and the case would not likely have been in court had the partner not reported it to gardai.
Mr Boyle was unaware that fireworks needed to be propped, said Ms Liston.
The injured child was 16 years old at the time.
The court heard that no doctor was available that day, nor the following but the child saw a doctor two days later, who reported the injury as a ‘superficial burn’.
Ms Liston presented evidence of this to the judge.
“He’s extremely apologetic in relation to it,” she said of her client. “I’d ask you not to add to his woes. This is a once off.”
All of Mr Boyle’s previous convictions were for traffic offences, including driving under the influence of alcohol and driving without insurance, for which Mr Boyle was disqualified at a Dingle court on May 24, 2024.
Judge Catherine Ryan considered his record had no issues regarding behaviour.
“The State would accept it was more reckless than malicious,” said Sgt Manton.
The judge ordered Mr Boyle pay €500 to a charity.
“Your own child did suffer as a result of your reckless behaviour,” she said. “It’s a sobering lesson that your own child gets hurt.”