Longford judge told teen on theft and arson charges has been 'failed by the State'

judge has granted a teenager bail at Longford District Court despite the Gardaí objecting to him being released from custody.

Garda Lorraine Shiel told Judge Bernadette Owens the youth lives in a hotel in the region but he was regularly meeting associates in Longford town.

The defendant, who had 19 charges before the court, including seven counts of theft and seven counts of arson, has been in Garda custody since April 25.

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Garda Shiel said it will be alleged on September 5, 2024, Gardaí received a call that a commercial wheelie bin valued at €150 was taken from Grafton Court without permission and set alight at Annaly car park.

Garda Shiel said on the same date an alleged similar theft occurred at Fabiani, Main Street, Longford where a €150 commercial wheelie bin was taken without permission and found on fire at Aldi car park.

She told Judge Bernadette Owens on September 6, 2024 Gardaí received a further call in relation to the theft of a wheelie bin from Kebabish, Main Street, Longford and it was found set alight a short distance away.

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Garda Shiel said Gardaí and the fire brigade responded to a call of a fire in progress at Annaly car park on September 9, 2024.

She stated it was later reported that three commercial wheelie bins were stolen from Aine's Boutique, Fabiani and Kebabish and set on fire.

Garda Shiel said officers investigated a similar alleged theft from Main Street and subsequent arson on September 11, 2024.

"Gardaí commenced an investigation in relation to these 14 incidents and CCTV was downloaded from a number of premises and suspects were identified,” she added.

Garda Shiel stated there were seven youths identified , including the defendant who was identified as being in the areas where all 14 incidents occurred.

The teenager was subsequently arrested on September 23, 2024 and detained by Gardaí and he admitted being involved' in all 14 incidents.

"He was later released pending a file to the GYDO (Garda Youth Diversion Office) where he was deemed unsuitable for inclusion in the Youth Development Programme," Garda Shiel added.

The officer said Gardaí received a call on December 1, 2024 about an alleged theft at Hanlon's Service Station, Longford where sweets valued at €12 were allegedly taken from the premises without permission.

Garda Shiel said on January 30, 2025 Gardaí received a call about an alleged theft that had occurred at Mr Price, Longford and it was alleged that items valued at €6.92 were taken without permission.

She stated CCTV was downloaded and the defendant was identified as a suspect.

Garda Shiel said on February 3, 2025 officers received a complaint in relation to an alleged theft and youths causing a disturbance at Mr Price, Longford where a hairbrush valued at €2 was taken and the defendant was again identified as a suspect from CCTV.

The court heard the boy's mother has cared for him to the best of her ability while caring for four other children.

Garda Shiel said on April 10 last Gardaí received a complaint about an alleged theft at a residence at St Michael's Court, Longford.

A female resident who provided a statement claimed when she asked the defendant to leave he removed a cricket bat from the house without permission and left the scene.

Garda Shiel said the teenager had also separately been charged with 'possession of an article with intent to cause injury' and being in possession of drugs.

The defendant had been directed to follow bail conditions since April 2024, which include residing at a county Roscommon hotel, signing on at garda station between 9.30am and 11.30am and abiding by a 10pm to 7am curfew.

The court heard the teenager failed to sign on on numerous occasions and had not signed on since March 6 last.

Sergeant Enda Daly stated they were serious charges and there was no confirmation efforts had been made for the youth to engage with a drug counsellor.

"There is nothing concrete here regarding assistance, nothing in writing, should he be granted bail,” he said.

"The State would be very reluctant to object to bail for a 14 year-old, but in the circumstances due to the volume of crime they have a duty of care to members of the public."

The defendant had no previous convictions.

Solicitor Aonghus McCarthy queried why Tusla's solicitor was not in court.

He stated both himself and Sgt Enda McNulty believed his young client has been 'failed by the State'.

"It places the Gardaí in the invidious position where they are left doing what they otherwise would not do which is to object to the bail of a 14 year-old," Mr McCarthy said.

"But I am in a position where I have to protect my client who is vulnerable and deserves more support from the State."
Sgt McNulty then stated that he agreed with the comments.

Mr McCarthy claimed his client had been mixing with other youths who in Longford who he regularly smoked weed with and who were a negative influence.

"I think he is not a gentleman who ever benefitted from any paternal support in his life," he said. "I think his mum is the person who has care for him to the best of her ability while minding four other children.".

Mr McCarthy, who addressed Garda Shiel, asked her if the court was persuaded would she agree with him that they all want him to desist from criminal behaviour and to be provided with the services that any vulnerable 14 year-old should be provided with that he has lacked so far in his life."

Garda Shiel said she 'absolutely' agreed.

Mr McCarthy who said his client was going down a bad path, stated he had no previous convictions or history of criminality.

Judge Bernadette Owens said she did not believe the threshold had been met and she released him on bail subject to strict conditions, which included staying out of Longford, remaining intoxicant free and obeying a 10pm to 7am curfew.

Judge Owens requested a psychological assessment and for the youth to engage with a drug counsellor before adjourning the case until May 20.