A DUNDALK youth who set a younger boy on fire has been given a two year suspended sentence by Dublin Circuit Criminal Court. The victim suffered burns over 80 per cent of his body.
The defendant escaped a custodial sentence last March because there was no suitable centre available. He was then released on bail under strict conditions, including a nightly curfew, while his cases was listed for review again.
Judge Kieran O'Connor agreed with defence counsel, Mr Ronan Maguire, that reports from the Dundalk Youthreach Workshop and the Probation Services were positive.
He ordered the youth to remain on the programme until it ended and to continue under the supervision of the Probation Service. He must continue to live with his mother but the curfew has been lifted.
"You caused horrific injury to a young boy who, despite excellent medical care, will be scarred for life. But you showed real remorse and if you continue to behave you will not go to jail. It's up to you," Judge O'Connor told him.
The judge complimented Sgt Rodney Hodginson for his active supervision of the defendant. He also praised "the very prompt and brave" act by the victim's neighbour, Mr Harry McEntaggart, who put out the flames.
The defendant pleaded guilty almost a year ago to maliciously causing grievous bodily harm to a then 12 year old boy in Dundalk on April 22nd, 1994. The boy spent three months in intensive care where he was fed intravenously and suffered multiple shock, epileptic and psychotic episodes.
Judge O'Connor originally sentenced the defendant to two years in custody but a week later the court heard he was too old for Trinity House detention centre for boys at Lusk, Co Dublin.
The only place available was St Patrick's Institution beside Mountjoy Prison but an alternative plan prepared by his instructing solicitor, Mr Frank McDonnell, in consultation with the Probation Service involving supervision and a curfew regime was adopted.