A DUNDALK youth who assaulted and tried to rob a 14 year old schoolboy was described, as living like a wild, uncaged animal by Judge Flann Brennan at Dundalk Juvenile Court yesterday.
Supt Michael Staunton said the 16 year old defendant had seen the schoolboy near a shopping centre and asked him for money and to turn out his pockets. The boy was frightened and called out to one of his teachers whom he saw nearby.
When the teacher asked him why he wanted him to walk with him, the boy said he was frightened. At this point the defendant head butted and kicked the boy.
The defendant also pleaded guilty to assaulting a woman with intent to rob her. Both offences took place last Monday. Supt Staunton said he had tried to steal her handbag. She held on to it and fell, injuring her elbow.
The youth's solicitor said his client may have been under the influence of drugs and seemed to be trapped in a downward spiral.
Judge Brennan said they were vicious attacks on defenceless people. The defendant was living like a wild, uncaged animal and anyone was likely to be attacked.
He sentenced him to two periods of 11 months' detention, to run consecutively. Recognisance was set on his own bond of £1,000 with independent surety of £5,000 to be approved by the judge.