Teen abandons car on Kildare golf course
Photo for illustrative purposes only
A TEENAGER who stole a taxi and left it parked on the third green of a Kildare golf club following a garda chase appeared before a sitting of Naas District Court last week.
The 15-year-old who can’t be named, appeared in court on Thursday accompanied by his mother, where Judge Desmond Zaidan learned that the youth was only at liberty to attend on account of recently getting bail in the High Court.
“This is the unlawful use of a car,” explained Sergeant Mary Meade.
“He was getting a lift off a taxi, got into a disagreement with the driver over the fare, he then made threats jumped into the driver’s seat on the Main Street of Newbridge (outside the Whitewater Shopping Centre).
“He then drove off, before abandoning the vehicle on the Curragh Golf Course – on the third green.” she said.
“You couldn’t make it up!” remarked Judge Zaidan, before remanding the youth on continuing High Court bail until 17 September “for directions”.
As the youth and his mother reached the court door, the judge called them back.
“Wait, wait! You have to sign your (bail) bond,” he said.
“There was a mix-up when he was leaving Oberstown (Youth Detention Centre), you left without signing a bail bond. Your attorney should’ve known better, because technically you’re still at large. We’re rectifying this now."
Whilst this paperwork was being processed, Judge Zaidan addressed the boy’s mother.
“Does he go to school?” he asked.
The youth confirmed he did.
“Junior Cert year, good. What about sports?” asked the judge.
The youth outlined he was involved in kick-boxing.
“That’s a good sport, but focus on the school. Get yourself a better life,” suggested the judge, before asking mischievously: “Did he kick-box the taxi driver?”
“There’s no allegation of that,” Sgt Meade said.
“Thanks very much, judge,” said the youth as he left, gesturing positively towards the bench.
“He gave me the thumbs up when he was leaving!” nodded a pleasantly surprised judge.
