Violence rap teen has bail changed for boxing fight

A JUDGE has allowed a teenager who received tickets for tomorrow night’s Carl Frampton fight as a 16th birthday present to attend the bout, despite fears from police over allowing him into an arena with a “charged atmosphere”.

A police officer objected to the change in the bail conditions for the defendant, who is charged with assaulting and threatening to slit the throat of a female social worker when out fishing.

The teenager is also charged with stealing laptops, mobile phones and more than £1,200 in cash during a burglary at a children’s home in Ballymena before Christmas last year.

However, District Judge Liam McNally allowed the defendant, who cannot be named because of his age, to attend the big fight along with a male social worker.

Ballymena Magistrates’ Court was told yesterday the social worker would collect the boy, take him to the boxing bout, stay with him and return home by 12.30am.

A police officer said the defendant currently had a curfew as part of his bail conditions.

The officer added that the teenager was recently taken on a fishing trip to Broughshane but “became violent” and threatened a social worker, saying he was going to “slit her throat”.

The officer explained he had concerns about the boy being in the “charged atmosphere” of the Frampton fight.

Defence barrister Stephen Law said the social worker going with the teen to the boxing match got on well with him and they both enjoyed the sport.

Judge McNally granted the application and ordered that the boy does not consume alcohol.