'Happy family' was torn apart by son's drug debt

A “HAPPY family” was torn apart when their teenage son racked up debts to violent drug dealers, the Dublin Children’s Court heard…

A “HAPPY family” was torn apart when their teenage son racked up debts to violent drug dealers, the Dublin Children’s Court heard.

His family has handed over thousands of euros to them, their home has been attacked and an attempt was made to kidnap the 17-year- old youth, the court heard. The Dublin teen was charged with criminal damage of his father’s car on Thursday last and brought before the Children’s Court.

He was remanded in custody last week. The HSE was asked to be represented in court.

The court had heard the boy lived with his mother and that his father, who lives elsewhere, was in regular contact. His family got him a place in a training course, which he quit, and drug misuse counselling.

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After spending five days in custody, the teenager pleaded to be released, saying it was an “eye-opener” and that “it hurts me that my family do not want to take me back”. He said he accepted his family’s views were justified.

His father told Judge Elizabeth MacGrath his son’s problems were a reason why he and the teenager’s mother separated. “He was getting into trouble with drugs, selling drugs, losing drugs, owing money for drugs – we ended up paying €5,000.” He added: “He is saying it is an eye-opener but I have heard it all before.”

A HSE solicitor said social services would conduct an assessment on the boy. He said the only accommodation available during assessment was in an “out-of-hours” emergency hostel. Judge MacGrath granted bail. The boy was remanded to appear tomorrow.