HERE’S THE LAW BY THE BOOK CRIME CAN IMPACT TRAVEL FOR YOUTH
THE retired District court Judge Michael Pattwell was the guest speaker at a launch ‘Gardai Youth and the Law’ which involved parents, youth leaders, teachers and young people from a host of secondary schools.
The guest speaker, Michael Pattwell who outlined some of his own experiences while he sat as a District court judge. He also spoke about his interaction with young people and pointed out the severe consequences which bullying can have on young people both in the short and long term.
He also spent some time speaking at the launch in Kinsale on the consequences of crime and the major impact it can have on a person’s ability to travel. He praised the gardai along with voluntary groups who keep so many young people on the straight on narrow.
Judge James McNulty, District court judge for West Cork and County Mayor Cllr Alan Coleman were also present as was chief superintendent Tom Hayes.
Topical topics in the booklet include, ‘ bullying’ especially cyberbullying. Other topics included public order, theft and fraud, criminal damage, drugs and alcohol and road safety issues.
Chief Super Hayes said the primary reason for the publication was to increase a better understanding of the law to young people.
He also acknowledged the contribution of Kinsale Youth Support Services who acted as partner to An Garda Siochana in bringing the publication of the booklet to fruition.
Garda Damian White, community based garda said that much of their work is pent keeping young people out of trouble.
He thanked their partners in the many schools and in community based organisations which provide such valuable support to young people.