Kildare teen accused of racial slurs 

A TEEN who allegedly called another racial slurs then slapped him in an argument over a fishing rod was warned he would be sent to Obserstown detention facility if convicted.

The 16-year-old appeared in Athy District Court recently unaccompanied and chewing gum, neither of which endeared him to Judge Desmond Zaidan.

After swallowing the gum, the judge asked the youth: “What’s the future? Jail? Because if you choose that life you’ll get it.” The boy also faces a theft charge after he and an older brother stole a Playstation from the Tusla offices on the Dublin Road on 13 January 2025 after having gone there on appointment.

His brother was jailed for 11 months in November, for his role in the offence while he also refused to turn up for mandated probation appointments.

“I see you’ve done well, and you’ve done your course. What’s your plan?” asked the judge.

“Try to get my licence,” said the boy.

“Licence to commit more offences?” asked the judge.

“His licence to drive,” said defence barrister Hugo Mills.

“I know what’s coming for them if they don’t turn a corner,” said the judge.

Then it got worse for the youth.

“There’s also a section 2 assault on a 14-year-old boy who was fishing at the time, and (named teen) slapped him and used racial slurs when he wouldn’t give him the fishing rod,” said Sergeant Mary Meade.

This allegedly occurred at Canalside, Athy on 24 July 2025.

“My client is claiming mistaken identity,” said Mr Mills.

“If he’s acquitted, that’s the end of it,” said the judge. “But if he’s convicted, I’m sending him to Oberstown (Youth Detention Centre).

“This boy is 16, and no members of his family are here … it’s awful, there’s no parental guidance.

“Where did you stay last night?” asked the judge.

“In my uncle’s,” said the juvenile.

“Well, he should be here, it’s the law of the land,” he concluded, before remanding the boy on continuing bail until 24 March for hearing.