A judge at Dublin Children's Court has apologised to the mother of a troublesome teenage boy because there were no State facilities available to house him.
The court heard the 15-year-old boy’s parents took the handles from doors and windows in their home to stop him from going out and getting into trouble but he still managed to get out. He was also causing trouble for his family.
The boy had failed to appear at his hearing on May 23rd on a charge of criminal damage and a bench warrant was issued for his arrest. The boy had also failed to appear in Tallaght District court on another charge.
He had been arrested earlier this week for trespassing on a property and he also faces other charges, the court was told.
Judge William Earley heard that the boy's mother, who was present in court, wanted the boy to be remanded in custody and not sent home because it was becoming too difficult to prevent him from getting into trouble.
Initially Judge Earley said he would remand the boy in custody due to his failure to appear at his hearing. However, the court was told the enquiries made by gardai to Oberstown House and Trinity house revealed that there were no remand places available to which the boy could be sent.
Judge Earley said it was "grossly unfair" to the boys' parents that he would have to grant bail. He said he would send the boy home on bail until June 5th next for the preparation of probation and welfare service reports.
However, he told the boy's mother that he was "sorry" that the state had no place to put her son.