Judge rejects £7,000 damages

A judge yesterday highlighted the dangers to children of free-standing block walls in the forecourt of a Dublin Corporation flats…

A judge yesterday highlighted the dangers to children of free-standing block walls in the forecourt of a Dublin Corporation flats complex. Judge Pat McCartan said he was "appalled" that the walls had been built without foundations in a densely inhabited area. He heard how Alan Kenny (14), of St Anthony's Road, Rialto, Dublin, had the toes on his right foot crushed when one of the walls fell on him. He had been left with a shortened toe and no nail on another.

Alan's father, William, told the court that happened a neighbour tested another wall and was able to push it over with very little effort. Judge McCartan refused to approve an offer by Dublin Corporation of £7,000 damages.

It was a "nasty injury" which caused him considerable pain at the time. It "will prove an embarrassment to him in later years," Judge McCartan said.