Teenager to stand trial in Wicklow over alleged threats to kill with machete
The Wicklow PeopleA teenager accused of threatening to kill a man while armed with a machete has been sent forward for trial to Wicklow Circuit Criminal Court
The teen, who cannot be named for legal reasons, appeared at an in-camera sitting of Bray District Court. He is charged with two counts of threatening and abusive behaviour, one count of assault causing harm, and two counts of making threats to kill.
Sergeant Mick Canavan told the court that the Director of Public Prosecutions has directed that the matter be dealt with at Circuit Court level.
Judge David Kennedy asked the prosecution to outline the alleged facts in order to determine whether he would accept jurisdiction.
The court heard that on October 18, 2025, a man attended Bray Garda Station stating that he was walking along the street when the accused allegedly blocked his path with an e-scooter before showing him a machete in his waistband.
Sgt Canavan said gardaí allege the youth, who was wearing a grey tracksuit and had his face covered with a balaclava, stopped the alleged injured party a second time while travelling on an e-bike with another juvenile.
It is alleged the youth produced a metal crutch and told the man: “I will burn your house with your family inside, I’m going to smoke your house out,” adding: “Do you want to be stabbed?”
The court heard that CCTV evidence in the case is “strong” and that the accused is identifiable.
Solicitor for the teen, Brendan Maloney, said it was unusual that his client could be identified if he was wearing a face covering.
He also submitted that the Children Act is in place to protect young people and that cases should only be sent forward to a higher court in serious circumstances.
Judge Kennedy declined jurisdiction, citing the seriousness of the alleged threats to kill, meaning the case will now proceed before the Circuit Criminal Court.
Under the Children Act, more serious offences can be dealt with at Circuit Court level where the District Court considers the case too serious for summary disposal.
The youth is due to appear before Bray District Court in early May for the service of a book of evidence.