Teen covered car in ketchup, Kildare court hears
The case was heard at Naas District Court
A teen in care in who smashed up his Kildare care home and covered a social worker’s car in tomato ketchup because staff wouldn’t bring him home to his mother’s house appeared in court last week.
The teen, who won’t be 17 for another month, attended Naas District Court behind closed doors with his care worker, while the probation officer handed in a progress report to the court.
“He is doing very well,” said his barrister Donnacha Craddock.
“He did damage to a wall in the care home, broke a window and frame,” said Sergeant Dave Hanrahan, who estimated the damage at approximately €1,000.
This occurred at the care home in Athy in which he resided on 19 June 2024.
He was also charged with criminal damage to the staff member’s car on 16 July at the same address.
“Is he still at this address?” asked Judge Desmond Zaidan.
“No,” said Mr Craddock, “he’s now living with his mother.”
“I’m glad she can control him,” commented the judge. “Why did he do this?”
“They wouldn’t give me a lift to my mother’s,” said the teen.
“Then you lost your temper?” surmised the judge.
“This is what happens to vulnerable teens,” said the judge to the court.
“You have to control your temper. If you don’t get your way, you just can’t throw a temper,” he said directly to the lad.
“Have you done the junior cert?” asked the judge.
“Yeah,” muttered the lad.
“Well done!” said the judge. “TY?”
“No, fifth year,” said the youth.
What subjects?” asked the judge.
“Woodwork and art,” said the teen.
“That’s good. If you get a job as a carpenter you can make a good living,” said the judge, as he remanded the youth on continuing bail to reappear on 17 July.
“If this is a good report I’ll help you. See you in July,” concluded the judge.
