Cycling ban imposed on boy (16) who stole Garda bicycle

A 16-year-old Dublin boy accused of stealing an official Garda bicycle has been given a cycling ban.

The boy is charged with theft of the Garda bicycle worth €500 at Benburb Street in the city-centre on November 26th. He is also accused of damaging it and possessing another stolen bike on the same date, the Dublin Children’s Court heard.

Judge John O’Connor ordered him not to use a bike or bail will be revoked.

The teen is also accused of bike theft at Crane Street on November 23rd and trespassing at a house on the North Circular Road on November 22nd.

The youth, who promised he would stick to his bail terms, is also charged with trespassing at three properties in Dublin 7 on September 24th and damaging a bike lock on that date.

The teenager has spent a week in custody, with his consent, on remand, and gardaí said they would not object to bail if conditions were granted.

One of these conditions was an order for the teenager “not to be seen on any bicycle” which the judge agreed to grant.

Defence counsel Aoife McNickle said a number of agencies are providing help to the boy who was accompanied in court by family members. He has also applied for a place in a residential centre that assists troubled young people, the court heard.

Judge O’Connor said the teenager was basically a “nice kid” but is now running the risk of going back into custody. He told the boy he must obey the bail terms which also include a ban on him associating with a group of people and a curfew.

The teenager twice said “yes your honour” when warned he must obey the bail terms and told it will send a good message to the court “if you can be good over Christmas and New Year’s”.

He will appear again next month to enter pleas to his charges.