The State yesterday applied to the High Court to authorise the overnight detention in a Garda station of a teenage at-risk boy because there was no alternative place available.
Mr Justice Smyth granted an order directing that the 14-yearold boy, who is believed to have come under the influence of drug-dealers and other undesirables on the streets, be detained overnight at Fitzgibbon Street Garda station. The matter is to be returned before him today.
The boy had absconded from St Michael's assessment centre, and a warrant was issued on November 1st directing gardai to search for, arrest and return him there. While gardai found the boy yesterday, there was now no place at St Michael's.
Mr Conleth Bradley, for the State, sought the order directing the detention in Fitzgibbon Street, which had facilities for asylum-seekers in which the boy could stay.