Boy (15) allegedly 'fired' missiles at gardaí during Citywest riot, court hears

Tom Tuite

A 15-year-old boy "fired" missiles, including rocks and fireworks, at gardaí during a riot in Citywest, Dublin, last year, a court has heard.

Following an alleged sexual assault on a girl aged 10 in Saggart, violent scenes broke out at a protest near an accommodation centre for international protection applicants.

The boy, who cannot be named because of his age, was charged with violent disorder on October 22nd, 2025.

He faced a preliminary hearing at the Dublin Children's Court, which retained jurisdiction, with Judge Paul Kelly ordering him to appear again in June to enter a plea.

The teenager, accompanied to the proceedings by his parents, was remanded on bail.

Outlining the prosecution evidence, Garda Ciara Galvin told the court that the garda public order unit erected barriers to restrict access to the facility, a former hotel, to ensure public safety.

Garda Galvin said, "A large crowd gathered in the evening at the barriers; people were attempting to gain access to the hotel."

Officers at the cordon directed the crowd to leave, and missiles were thrown at them.

The boy was identified from CCTV as being involved in the public disorder and was allegedly observed throwing rocks at officers.

Garda Galvin alleged he tried setting fire to leaves on a tree and had fireworks which he "fired at the gardaí".

However, the missiles connected with their shields, and the teen was not accused of causing any injuries.

Questioned by defence counsel Orla Doolin, the witness agreed there was a large number of both adults and children at the scene, and the boy was 15 at the time.

The Director of Public Prosecutions recommended that the case remain in the Children's Court rather than be sent to the Circuit Court, which has wider sentencing powers.

Judge Kelly concurred and accepted jurisdiction.

He then directed gardaí to provide disclosure of evidence to the defence and adjourned the case.

The teen also has an unrelated vehicle theft charge pending.

Dozens of people are before the courts on charges connected. Violent scenes resulted in more than 30 arrests, and gardaí suffered injuries, and a garda vehicle was burned out.

Multiple court prosecutions have commenced.