Teenager avoids detention after assault causing harm at DART

This report is a localnews.ie summary based on public court reporting and records; sources are listed below.

The unnamed 17-year-old boy avoided a detention sentence for assault causing harm at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court, reported on 26 July 2022; the assault happened at Howth Junction DART station on 1 April 2021.

He pleaded guilty to assault causing harm. Judge Martin Nolan discharged him from a separate violent disorder count, ruling there was insufficient evidence for that charge.

The judge said the boy deliberately turned his bike towards the girl, causing her to fall between the platform and a train. He did not believe the boy intended that outcome, describing the conduct as irresponsible.

The judge said he would deal with the boy through community sanctions, taking account of his guilty plea, lack of previous convictions and remorse. A Probation Services report was ordered and the case was adjourned to 24 August.