A JUDGE has refused to grant bail to a 15-year-old boy who broke his bail conditions 15 times, starting two days after he was released from custody.
The north Dublin boy is facing a number of charges at the Children's Court for motor theft, public order violations and shoplifting.
He had been remanded in custody two weeks ago after the court heard there were 15 instances over a two-week period in July where he breached his bail conditions. He had been ordered to obey a 10pm-7am curfew, abstain from alcohol and drugs and remain away from certain areas.
Defence solicitor Kelly Breen said yesterday that the two-week stint in custody has given the boy "time to reflect". He realised his behaviour had to change, she said, and handed in to court a letter from the boy.
Ms Breen told Judge Elizabeth MacGrath that if released the boy was hoping to begin a training course and take part in a summer youth project in his area.
"That is what is needed to stay out of trouble," she added.
She said that the boy's mother, who was in court, was willing to give him "a last chance" but would immediately report him if he failed to abide by the terms of bail.
Garda Sarah Jane Cusack objected to bail. She told Judge MacGrath that the boy had breached his conditions 15 times starting two days after he had been released from custody.
The boy said: "I don't know why I breached the bail, I'm sorry for what happened, I know I was in the wrong."
However, Judge MacGrath said that she was concerned at why the boy could not explain why he had repeatedly broken his bail. "If I granted bail today it could be a possibility that he breached the bail again," she told Ms Breen.
"It is not a question of apologising," the judge added. "The conditions were put there for a good reason, for your own safety and the safety of the public".
She refused bail and remanded the out-of-school teenager in custody to appear again next week when pleas are to be entered.