Teenage vandal (14) is given a chance at Kildare court
Shards of car glass on the street
"I’M giving you a chance, but the gardai have given you all theirs,” a judge warned a teen vandal as he gave him the benefit of the Probation Act this week (23 September).
The 14-year-old who can’t be named was found guilty of throwing stones at cars in Athy on 29 October 2023 when he was just 12 years old and appeared in Athy District Court in his school uniform, accompanied by his father.
“He has engaged with the probation services,” said his solicitor Noel Leech.
“Throwing stones at cars from a bridge?” asked Judge Desmond Zaidan incredulously.
“No judge, it was in an estate,” Sergeant Ruth Coleman corrected him.
“The damage was estimated at €200. There was no reason, just mindless,” she added.
“When you get your first car, it’s your pride and joy, and you’ll love it more than your girlfriend,” said the judge.
“You come back to it and someone’s damaged your car, you wouldn’t like that,” said the judge, and the boy agreed.
“He was in bad company,” offered the boy’s father.
“A joint enterprise,” said the judge.
“He is currently engaging with CAMHS (Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services) and the JLO (Juvenile Liaison Officer),” said Mr Leech.
“That’s not good,” said the judge, noting the CAMHS reference, before continuing.
“The guards gave you multiple cautions, because it seems like you still do the same behaviour.
“You seem like a clever fellow, but the guards have exhausted all your chances, but as it’s the first time you’re before me, I’ll give you the Probation Act.
“There is a difference between mischief and criminal,” warned the judge.
He then heard how the boy was still attending school, naming his favourite classes and two extracurricular activities.
“That’s good, and keep it up, but if you keep doing this (holding up the charge sheet) your age won’t protect you forever,” said the judge.
“You’re a talented young man, and that’s why I’m giving you a chance, but the guards have given you all theirs”.
