Dublin teenager's 180km/h chase case too serious for Children's Court

Tom Tuite

A Dublin youth who allegedly drove a stolen car at 180 km/h and tried to collide with gardaí before he “lost control and flipped” will face trial at a higher level.

The boy, 16, who cannot be identified because he is a minor, faced a preliminary hearing to decide his trial venue.

It was held that the case was too serious for the Dublin Children’s Court to accept jurisdiction and should be sent to the Circuit Court with broader sentencing powers.

The boy was remanded on continuing bail pending the preparation of a book of evidence.

He is accused of four counts of dangerous driving on the M50, the N4 and M4 in connection with a pursuit from Dublin to Maynooth, Co. Kildare on April 27th last.

The teenager was also charged with unlawfully using a stolen car and causing €6,000 worth of damage to the vehicle.

He made no reply when charged.

At an earlier bail hearing, Garda Dean Healy cited the seriousness of the alleged incident and claimed the teenager drove at 180km/h while other cars were present.

Garda Healy maintained that the teen “attempted on a number of occasions to collide with patrol vehicles” before he “lost control and flipped on the road, 360; it was just sheer luck no one was seriously injured”.

The garda agreed the boy did not have prior convictions or a history of failing to appear in court.

The teen must obey a 9 pm – 6 am curfew, stay out of Co Kildare, and have no contact with seven named individuals.

He must only travel in or on a motor vehicle with a qualified and insured driver.