Boys in court over attack on care workers

A care worker in a children’s home was knocked unconscious when he was attacked by a teenager armed with a sock containing a heavy bottle of aftershave, a court has heard.

Judge John O’Connor was told at the Dublin Children’s Court that three boys who had been living in the care home acted together to attack two staff members before stealing a car which was later written off.

The case of the three boys, aged 17, 15 and 14, was before the juvenile court yesterday in connection with the incident, which is alleged to have taken place at a facility in north Co Dublin on September 3rd last.

The DPP recommended that the oldest of the three should be tried in the Circuit Court which has tougher sentencing powers. Judge O’Connor agreed after he heard an outline of the allegations.

The 17-year-old boy had been charged with stealing a car from a children’s care home in Dublin, after the staff member was attacked.

Defence solicitor John Quinn asked Judge O’Connor to accept jurisdiction. However, Judge O’Connor said the case was too serious and should be sent forward to the higher court.

The boy, who was accompanied to court by his grandmother and care workers, was remanded on bail to appear again next month when it is expected he will be served with a book of evidence and returned for trial.

The 15-year-old boy was ordered to appear later this month for a ruling on his trial venue. A bench warrant was issued for the 14-year-old who failed to turn up to court.