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Sgt Chris Manton stated the teenager lived in HSE care and had gone ‘missing from care’ 114 times, including 26 times this year
Tralee Courthouse. Photo by Mark O’Sullivan.
A teenager charged with using two machetes in an assault at a Kerry college campus has been denied bail following an appearance at Tralee District Court on Wednesday.
The teenager, who cannot be named for legal reasons, faces three charges related to the alleged assault of another male at Tralee Community Training Centre in Monavalley on Tuesday, September 23.
These included assault, possession of an offensive weapon, and the production of an article intended to cause injury in a dispute.
Gardaí also charged the defendant for possession of cannabis on July 18.
The court heard the defendant attacked a former friend with two machetes at the Tralee campus, causing students to flee in fear for their safety. The incident was recorded on CCTV footage, the court heard.
The State objected to bail, noting the serious nature of the charges and expressing a concern that an escalation in violence between the defendant and the injured party was likely.
It was the State’s belief the defendant was unlikely to appear in court if granted bail.
Sgt Chris Manton stated the teenager lived in HSE care and had gone ‘missing from care’ 114 times, including 26 times this year and seven times in September.
Tralee Courthouse. Photo by Mark O’Sullivan.
News in 90 Seconds – September 24th
The defendant’s solicitor, Padraig O’Connell, noted that his client had no prior convictions and expressed concern over videos of the alleged attack circulating on social media.
Judge Catherine Ryan noted media restrictions are in place for formal court reporting due to the defendant’s young age but social media users do not adhere to such regulations.
She denied bail and ordered that the teenager receives any medical treatment available while in custody. She advised the defendant to make use of the help available.
He was transferred to Oberstown Children Detention Campus, a facility for children aged 10 to 17 in the north of County Dublin.
The next hearing will be Wednesday, October 1 at Tralee District Court by video link.
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