15-year-old had ‘stash of cannabis’ in his room

A 15-year-old had a ‘stash of cannabis’ in his room at a detention centre, Drogheda district court has heard.

This was included in a report on the accused which was presented to last Friday’s court sitting.

The youth, who has a Drogheda address, cannot be identified because of his age.

He is charged with a number of offences including possession of knives and other articles at Donore Road on 5 June, 2017; burglary at Ace Plant & Tool Hire, East Coast Business Park on 2 April, 2017, and theft at Aura Leisure Centre, Marleys Lane on 7 May, 2017.

A report before the court from Oberstown House outlined how the boy had a stash of cannabis in his room.

Defence counsel Michael Miley pointed out the court is already aware of the drugs in question from a previous hearing.

He continued there have been no ‘infringements’ since, and while the report doesn’t say it is necessary for him to be in custody, the defendant’s behaviour towards the probation service ‘ leaves a lot to be desired’.

The probation service added the attitude of the defendant’s mother is ‘really poor’.

Judge Coughlan said it’s a last resort to put a juvenile in custody, ‘ but I can’t let him back out if he’s not engaging with the probation service’.

The judge continued he wanted to send the boy back to Oberstown House in order for him to get off drugs. Otherwise, the alternative is to impose a long sentence.

By consent, the accused was remanded in custody to 13 April next.