Teen allegedly caught with a balaclava and implements for carrying out a theft

Gardaí objected to bail being granted to a 15-year-old boy who was allegedly caught with a balaclava and implements for carrying out a theft at a time when he was already on bail for travelling in a stolen car.

Detective Garda Conor Cronin said: “This youth was observed acting suspiciously with another youth on Lough Road. The youth was searched and he was found in possession of two screwdrivers, Allen keys, vice grips and balaclava.

“The other youth had a stolen electric scooter.

“Interviewed in presence of his mother, the 15-year-old made admissions that he was in possession of the items. He said they were given to him earlier.

“He admitted that the tools would have been used to steal the scooter but was not present when this occurred. He was caught red-handed.”

Judge Mary Dorgan asked if a bed was available in Oberstown if the juvenile was remanded in detention, and it was confirmed that a bed was available.

However, after hearing the evidence and defence submissions from Shane Collins-Daly solicitor that the young man had no previous convictions, was attending school and was present in court, Judge Dorgan decided to grant bail to the 15-year-old.

The case was adjourned until January 24 at the Children’s Court. The defendant cannot be identified as he is a juvenile.

Det Garda Cronin said the teenager was on bail since October 2024 when this alleged new offence occurred on January 14.

Garda Conor Smiddy charged him with allowing himself to be carried in a stolen car on October 23 2024 in Cork city. He was also charged with a count of driving a stolen car on September 26 2024 at Crosshaven, County Cork.

Sergeant Aisling Murphy stated last October that there was no objection to bail being granted to the accused but that conditions were required, namely, a 9pm to 7am curfew, to stay out of the southside of Cork city, not to associate with two named individuals, go to school daily and not to be in any stolen car.

Similar conditions were required yesterday but the curfew was changed to 8pm and the teenager was required to sign on regularly at his local garda station.