Wicklow youth accused of biting and striking gardaí remanded to Oberstown
The Wicklow PeopleA youth has been remanded to Oberstown after being charged with assaulting two gardaí
A 16-year-old, who cannot be named for legal reasons, appeared at an in-camera sitting of Bray District Court charged with assaulting two members of An Garda Síochána. It is alleged that on November 22, 2025, the juvenile bit and struck two gardaí at his mother’s home.
The court was told that the defendant was in St Vincent’s Hospital being assessed by a psychologist, and a medical report was handed into the court.
Sergeant Mike Canavan told the court that no beds are currently available at a Tusla facility. Tusla, the State’s Child and Family Agency, is responsible for child protection and welfare.
A representative from Tusla told the court that the minor has displayed threatening and abusive behaviour towards Tusla staff.
The court was also told that the defendant was previously in the care of the State, staying in a hotel with a daily turnover rather than sheltered accommodation.
Judge David Kennedy remarked that “it is like Groundhog Day”. Counsel for the defence, Joe Maguire, alleged that “the State has not served him (the youth) well”.
Sgt Canavan noted that Oberstown Children Detention Campus has a bed available. The court was told that the accused is awaiting assessment and needs to engage with services “to help deal with his issues”.
Mr Maguire told the court that his client alleges that members of An Garda Síochána told him, while at the Garda station, that he was going to be granted bail.
The court was told that the youth has ADHD and behavioural issues. The mother of the accused told the court that her son was in the care of Tusla for a period of two years and that “nothing has been done”.
Judge Kennedy granted legal aid to Maguire McNeice Solicitors.
The teen was remanded to Oberstown Children Detention Campus for services to engage with him. Sgt Canavan commented that “services will be able to find him!.
The juvenile is due back before Bray District Court on December 1, 2025.