Teenage boxer gets a chance at Kildare court

A teenager charged with possession of knives and trying to discard a bag of marijuana by throwing it over a wall had his case struck out when the judge heard how much work he had recently put into his boxing club.

The offence occurred in Maynooth Square on 18 November 2022, and he was attending Naas District Court having pleaded guilty on a previous appearance, for sentence and a probation report.

Judge Desmond Zaidan read the report and quoted: ‘(The youth) was hit by a car in 2022 suffering ADHD, which is possibly linked to his cannabis use.’

“You gotta stop taking this stuff, it messes with your mind,” said the judge.

“He is heavily involved with the boxing club ... probably five days a week,” offered his solicitor Brian Larkin.

“Keep it up, that is the way forward,” encouraged the judge.

“You’ll feel a lot better after training than taking marijuana. You’re young, make friends,” said the judge.

Low risk of reoffending

“It says here (probation report) ‘he is at a low risk of re-offending’ noted the judge.

“He told me he wants to study criminal law!” said Mr Larkin.

“If you’re determined, you will do it. I like the way you’re thinking,” said the judge.

“The report is good, you haven’t reoffended since you were 15, no previous (convictions). I’m going to mark the fact proven and I’ll strike out,” said the judge.

“I’m doing you a huge favour, so when you’re 18 you will not have a criminal record, so if you’re boxing abroad with the national team you can travel. Grasp this with both hands.”