A 12-year-old boy who faces 25 charges for breaches of the peace, so-called joyriding, "hot-wiring" cars, larcenies and attacking gardaí was yesterday remanded to Oberstown Boy's Centre for a week to await a long-term placement in a suitable facility.
The 12-year-old, from Dublin's north inner city, had been staying at a residential care unit because he was too troublesome for his family and out of their control.
He had continued to reoffend after getting bail on each individual charge.
Garda Barry Moore, Fitzgibbon Street Station, a juvenile liaison officer with a detailed knowledge of the case history, explained to Judge Bryan Smyth at the Dublin Children's Court that he had co-ordinated the prosecution of the boy which involved over 12 gardaí. He said that he had been dealing with the boy since the summer of 2000 and it was obvious that his behaviour has become "steadily worse".
Garda Moore also said that he knew the boy's family were concerned over the boy and recognised that they needed help.
The Juvenile Liaison Office had directed that all of the charges be dealt with through the court system and not through their scheme.
The boy's mother had earlier told the court that she could not control him and wanted him to be held in custody. He refused to go to school and would go out at night without her knowing where he was, she said.
Solicitor John Quinn, defending, said that the boy needed intervention in his life and a long term placement in a juvenile institution, but it was not known when one would become available.
After hearing that a temporary remand bed had become available in the Oberstown Boy's Centre, Judge Smyth sent the boy there until next Monday. He also directed the attendance of the health board on that date to help determine when a long-term placement could be found.