Teenager to face trial in Circuit Court

ALLEGED RAMPAGE AT CARE HOME

A TEENAGER facing prosecution for his alleged part in an incident that caused more than €26,000 to a County Wexford care home was sent forward for trial in the Circuit Court.

The 15-year-old, accompanied by a social worker and represented by solicitor Ed King was brought to the District Court in Wexford from the detention centre where he is serving a sentence imposed in another matter.

Sergeant Gary Rayner had the book of evidence against the youth ready to present to the defendant and he also outlined the case against the accused to Judge John Cheatle.

The court heard it alleged that the teenager and fellow residents went on the rampage on September 11 at a care home for teenagers in North Wexford.

The sergeant said that a siege ensued and that slates were thrown from the roof and that an extinguisher was discharged.

The garda’s armed response unit was called in, the judge was informed, and one of the members had his arm caught in a doorway during the disturbance.

All this occurred a few days after another incident, as alleged by the sergeant who put the bill for criminal damage on September 8 at more than €1,000.

Mr King’s client also faced charges alleging unauthorised taking of vehicles and attempting to interfere with vehicles.

The solicitor suggested that some of these charges could be retained in the District Court.

However, the judge felt it would make more sense to keep all matters together and, once the book of evidence had been formally served, the teenager was sent forward for Circuit Court trial.