Limerick teen, 15, guilty of assaulting two gardaí, court hears

A THEN 15-year-old boy has been charged at Kilmallock Court with two counts of assaulting gardai with one of the offences taking place in a garda station.

It is alleged he spat at a garda in Bruff garda station and sprayed a fizzy drink, which he had stolen from a shop, at another member of the force.

Sergeant Tadgh Reeves gave evidence of arresting, charging and cautioning the youth in the presence of his father on Friday morning.

“He made no reply to each charge after caution,” said Sgt Reeves. The juvenile, who cannot be named for legal reasons, was charged with a total of five offences.

The teenager is charged with the theft of 20 bottles of Bulmers and a soft drink from Spar on Lord Edward Street, Kilmallock at 6.15am, on September 8, 2023.

He is charged with intoxication in a public place and assaulting a member of An Garda Siochana by spraying a fizzy drink at him / her, a short time later.

He is also charged with assaulting a garda in Bruff garda station, at 8.20am on the same date, by spitting at them and engaging in threatening, abusive, insulting behaviour.

The court heard the youth was previously charged with five other offences. He is charged with the theft of a crate of Bulmers at the Gala shop on Sheares Street, Kilmallock on May 27, 2023.

On March 18, 2023, it is alleged he committed criminal damage on Wolfe Tone Street, Kilmallock. On the same date and at the same location, the youth is accused of having a slash hook in his possession.

On August 23, 2023, he is accused of threatening, abusive, insulting behaviour at Sheares Street, Kilmallock.

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On April 10, 2023, it is alleged he purchased goods at Spar, Lower Edward Street, Kilmallock with a €50 note which he knew to be counterfeit.

Con Barry, solicitor for the now 16-year-old, said there was a plea of guilty to all 10 matters.

Sgt Reeves said there was no objection to bail subject to the current conditions which includes a curfew.

Judge Patricia Harney asked Mr Barry to draw his client’s attention to the curfew because if it is not adhered to “there might be consequences”.

Judge Harney asked for a report from the Probation Service before adjourning the case until a date in March.