Kerry judge releases teen charged in campus machete attack
The KerrymanA teenager charged with wielding two machetes at a college campus in Kerry has been released from detention for the first time since his September arrest.
At court in Killarney on Monday, the teen appeared before Judge David Waters, who praised his achievements in detention. The boy, represented by solicitor Padraig O’Connell, pleaded guilty.
“If you want to make something in your life, I’m not going to stand in your way,” said the judge. “My job is to give you that opportunity to do that.”
That morning, the teenager woke in Oberstown Children Detention Campus, a facility for children in the north of County Dublin and his residence of the last four months. By mid-afternoon, he was released on bail and stepping into sunshine outside the Killarney courthouse, on his way to a new residence in State care.
His initial charges included assault, possession of an offensive weapon, and the production of an article intended to cause injury in a dispute on September 23. It was alleged in court he attacked a former friend with two machetes at the Tralee campus, causing students to flee in fear for their safety.
When first taken into custody, Judge Catherine Ryan told the boy to seize opportunities offered at Oberstown.
On Monday, the court heard he had done so.
Before the boy arrived, the judge discussed plans for the boy’s residency and release from custody.
The judge noted the teen’s positive probation report.
“He’s indicated that he’s happy with the structure and everything it provides for him,” he said. “It appears [he] is keen to make a go of things when he comes out. Maybe he gets an education.”
An official told the court the teen was highly engaged, had done well with Christmas exams, demonstrated insight and appeared deeply motivated to continue his education.
“He’s thrived on the structure and routine,” said the care worker. “It’s the first time in his life he’s had this level of structure.”
His health, sleep and appearance had dramatically improved, she told the court.
But the question of an appropriate placement remained.
“At present, it’s been very difficult to find a placement for him in the country,” she said.
It was noted the only place in Ireland that agreed to home him was in the same region he had previously lived, presenting concerns for the judge that the teen’s former associates would “get their claws into him”.
Although the State had set up social supports, the judge noted his young age made him vulnerable.
The judge stressed the location was “not ideal”.
“The bottom line is, we don’t have anything but that place,” he said.
Moving him to a different town was “the very best way to protect him”, said Judge Waters. “But that’s not an option.”
He noted that the teenager had experienced “the most horrific trauma” in his past and he “deserve[d] every chance”.
The Tusla representative expressed a preference to have more time to organise appropriate accommodation.
“He does have insight,” said the judge. “That’s why we give him every opportunity.”
The teenager arrived in the Killarney courthouse by early afternoon.
Judge Waters advised the boy to follow the directions of social and probation workers and to take advantage of education offered.
“I hope you take that opportunity, maybe you’ll realise your real potential,” he said.
The judge cautioned the teen that, after turning 18, he would be treated as an adult.
“Adult prison is nothing like Oberstown,” said Judge Waters.
He added, “I’d much prefer if you didn’t go back to prison.”
The judge remanded the boy on bail until February 25. He will not be required to attend court on that date.
To meet bail conditions, he must reside in Tusla accommodation, attend all probation meetings, make use of addiction services and complete any recommended knife-crime related programmes.
“Please take advantage of this,” he said to the teen. “You have a great future ahead of you, if you take advantage of this.”
The boy nodded in agreement, surrounded by a social worker, a probation officer and other State workers who appeared happy.