Teen in court over single punch attack in Dublin city

A TEENAGE boy is facing trial accused of a one-punch attack on a 40-yearold man who lost two teeth and suffered a fractured shoulder during a mugging in Dublin city-centre.

The 16-year-old boy, who cannot be named because he is a minor, appeared at the Dublin Children’s Court charged with robbery at Mercer Street, Dublin 2, in the early hours of June 27, 2018.

The man had just left a nightclub when he was knocked to the ground from a single blow to the back of his head and it was alleged he fell forward. He also suffered cuts to his face and in total incurred €10,000 in medical expenses.

Garda Niall McLoughlin said the incident happened at around 4.50am after the man left a nightclub and intended to get a taxi home to Kildare. He was on Mercer Street, texting on his mobile phone, worth almost €900, when it was grabbed from his hand.

Two witnesses told gardaí that it was a premeditated attack. CCTV footage was obtained from various premises on Mercer Street.

The garda said that following his arrest, the boy made a full admission but showed little remorse. The teenager is in custody on remand.

He was accompanied to court by a youth worker from a residential care home where he lived before he went into custody. The Director of Public Prosecutions has recommended the teen should be tried at circuit court level, which has more severe sentencing powers.

The case was adjourned and a ruling on the boy’s trial venue will be made when the proceedings resume later this month.