DPP pushes ahead with trial of boy for Ana murder
A 13-YEAR-OLD boy has been released pending trial for the murder of Co Kildare schoolgirl Ana Kriegel, but has been ordered to comply with a bail supervision programme.
The boy, who cannot be named because he is a minor, was the first to be charged with the murder of Ana (14) at Glenwood House, Laraghcon, Clonee Road, Lucan, on May 14, contrary to common law.
Her body was found at the disused farmhouse three days after she was reported missing.
The boy was charged and remanded in custody on May 25 but on Monday bail terms were set in the High Court.
The teenager arrived on bail for his latest hearing at the Dublin Children’s Court yesterday.
He was accompanied by his father and grandfather, but did not address the court.
A State solicitor told Judge Flann Brennan that the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) has issued a direction under Section 52.4 of the 2001 Children Act confirming the case will proceed.
The Children Act is the legal framework of the juvenile justice system.
The judge heard the case will be transferred to the Central Criminal Court once the book of evidence has been completed.
Anastasia, known as Ana, who was adopted from Russia at the age of two, left her home in Leixlit about 5pm on May 14 but did not return.
Her body was found at ad isused farmhouse three days later.
On July 12 last, a second 13-year-old boy was also charged with the girl’s murder and he too was remanded to the Oberstown youth detention centre. He remains in custody and is due to face his next hearing on August 14 next.
There has been no indication yet as to how either of them intends to plead.