Teenager accused of role in causing €3.5m in damages at Oberstown remanded on bail

One of eight youths facing criminal damage, arson and violent disorder charges

Photograph: Alan Betson / THE IRISH TIMES
Photograph: Alan Betson / THE IRISH TIMES

A teenager accused of arson and helping cause €3.5 million worth of damage during a stand-off at the Oberstown detention campus for young offenders has been remanded on bail pending the preparation of a book of evidence.

The 18-year-old, who was a juvenile at the time of the incidents on August 29th last year, is one of eight youths facing criminal damage, arson and violent disorder charges.

Five of them are from Dublin while the remaining three are from Co Limerick, Co Cork and Co Mayo.

He appeared at the Dublin Children’s Court on Monday. Judge John O’Connor said the Director of Public Directed (DPP) has directed trial on indictment, meaning the case is too serious to be heard in the juvenile court.

He remanded the youth on bail to appear again on December 11th, when he and seven co-defendants are to appear be served with books of evidence and sent forward for trial.

They have not yet indicated how they will plead to the charges.

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