BOY (17) STOLE PURSE TO REPAY DRUG DEBT

A TEENAGE boy who stole a purse from the Porterhouse did so to repay a drug debt, Bray District Court heard on Thursday, December 14.

Gardai responded to a report of theft on Saturday, December 9, 2017, after a purse was taken from a table.

Gardai examined CCTV footage and identified the 17-year-old.

He picked up the purse, put it under his clothing and left the premises.

At 2.30 p.m. on the same date, gardaí saw him in the company of a female, also known to them, travelling in a taxi in Bray.

They stopped the car and spoke to the boy. He was compliant and immediately told them where the purse was.

A driving licence, a gift voucher worth €120, an age card, and €100 in cash were not recovered.

He said that he owed money to someone in the Bray area. The youth’s solicitor said that he was in fear due to a drug debt.

The court heard that the youth had €200 to pay by way of compensation to the injured party.

Judge David Kennedy said that he would give the boy a final opportunity to engage with the probation services and adjourned the matter to January 4. He was released on bail with conditions including a curfew and signing on.