A judge in the central Criminal Court has ordered that a teenage boy with intellectual disabilities who defiled a young boy should remain in the care of the HSE.
The teenager admitted engaging in a sexual act with a child and told the victim he would get a “few thumps” if he told anyone.
The now 16-year-old pleaded guilty to the defilement of the boy between January 1st, 2009, and September 30th, 2010. The court heard that at the time, the youth was aged between 12 and 13 and the victim was between nine and 10.
Pauline Walley SC, prosecuting, told Mr Justice Paul Carney that the youth was now in the care of the HSE, adding: "You know and I know once he is 18, the HSE will say that comes to an end." She said he required "all the supports that can be put in place". Eanna Mulloy SC, defending, said his client had made progress in the residential unit.
Mr Justice Carney directed that the youth’s treatment continue and that he remain at the centre. He ordered that the case be relisted in court before his 18th birthday, with liberty to reapply at any time.