*One of the vehicles was stolen from Scariff. Photograph: Páraic McMahon.
A 14-year old Ennis boy has appeared in court in connection with a spate of alleged car thefts in east Clare and South Galway last Wednesday.
At Ennis District Children’s Court, the school boy accompanied by his grandmother appeared in connection with the unlawful taking possession of three cars and attempt to get into a fourth from Gort in south Galway and Scariff in on Wednesday last.
The schoolboy is also charged with two burglaries and the criminal damage of one of the cars he is alleged to have unlawfully taken.
When Judge Alec Gabbett asked the boy why he was here in court the teenager replied “stealing cars”.
The teenager first appeared before a special late night sitting of Ennis District Court on Wednesday concerning the alleged offences and was remanded on bail to appear before court on Friday.
When Judge Gabbett asked the boy if he has returned to school since his court first appearance on Wednesday, the boy replied “not yet – I’d no runners”.
The boy explained that Gardaí took his runners and he only got new ones today.
Judge Gabbett said, “You weren’t going to school without the runners so”.
Judge Gabbett said that the Gardaí would have taken his runners for forensic analysis as part of their investigation into the alleged offences.
The teenager told Judge Gabbett that he will be going back to school on Monday.
Judge Gabbett said, “You need to get back to school. And what about physical activity? Have you thought about that? Getting fit? I want you to be busy and active”.
Judge Gabbett said that he would appoint Extern, a service which assists young people before the courts.
In the case, the 14-year old is charged with the unlawful taking possession of 231 G, 06 G and 141 LS registered vehicles from Gallaghers Lane, Glenbrack, Gort, Co Galway; from Keehan Cleaners, Ennis Rd, Gort, Co Galway and from Church Street, Scariff without the consent of their owners on Wednesday, February 4th.
The alleged offences are contrary to Section 112 of the Road Traffic Act, 1961.
The boy is also charged with attempting to get into another vehicle at Cloonahaha, Gort on February 4th.
The young teenager is also charged with burglary from Keehan Cleaners, Ennis Rd, Gort Galway and at a property at Church Street, Scariff and the criminal damage of a 141 LS registered vehicle from Church Street, Scariff on February 4th.
Judge Gabbett granted legal aid to solicitor, Daragh Hassett to represent the accused.
Judge Gabbett further remanded the teenager on bail and attached strict bail conditions after being informed that there is no bed available at the Oberstown detention facility at Lusk in Co Dublin.
As part of the bail conditions the boy must observe a 8pm to 8am Garda policed curfew, stay out of Galway and Scariff, not travel in a vehicle unless accompanied by his parents or grandparents and sign on at Ennis Garda Station on Monday, Wednesday and Saturday
Judge Gabbett further remanded the 14 year old on bail for DPP directions to appear on February 18th at Ennis District Court.
