*The teenager was remanded on bail until the beginning of March.
A JUDGE has told a 16-year old Co Clare schoolboy that he will have no excuses not to study now as he has to be indoors every night by 8pm to abide by a strict Garda policed curfew.
At the Children’s Court in Ennis, the secondary schoolboy appeared in court charged with “very serious alleged offences” concerning two alleged burglaries and the unlawful taking of a car in East Clare on Wednesday.
In the case, the teenager is charged with burglary at two properties and the unlawful taking of a car in East Clare on Wednesday.
Det Garda David Laing gave evidence of arresting the teen at 5.40pm on Wednesday and charging him at 00.57am with the three alleged offences and he said that the accused made no reply after charge and caution.
Det Garda Laing said that there was no objection to bail and Gardaí have a number of bail conditions.
Judge Gabbett told the teenager who was accompanied to court by his mother, “you are charged with some very serious offences and I am quite concerned about these alleged offences and the allegations suggest that you are acting in concert with others”.
Judge Gabbett said, “It is all very serious stuff.” Judge Gabbett said that all of the alleged offences “carry quite a lengthy custodial sentence, I don’t want to frighten you”.
Judge Gabbett said that it was very important that the boy complies with his bail conditions. He said that “bail is your best chance you have coming out of this very well”.
Judge Gabbett stated that the bail conditions order that the boy obey an 8pm to 8am curfew; that he can’t be in a car unless it is with his parents, he can’t associate with a co-accused and signs on three times a week at Ennis Garda Station.
Judge Gabbett told the boy that if there is any breach, “bail will be revoked and you will be sent to Oberstown in Dublin”.
Judge Gabbett stated that as part of the curfew, “Garda will call to your house at night and you will very likely you have a knock on the door”.
Judge Gabbett told the boy “you are going to be in a lot – there will be no excuse not to study because you have to be in every night at 8pm”.
Judge Gabbett told the teenager to “paint the best picture of yourself for the sentencing judge”.
Asked how he is getting on at school by Judge Gabbett the teenager replied “good”.
Sgt John Burke said that directions will be required from the DPP and the National Juvenile Office and that the teenager can be remanded on bail to Killaloe District Court for March 3rd.
Judge Gabbett granted legal aid to solicitor, John Casey to represent the accused.
