Kildare youth's alleged Aldi theft case struck out - he was an adult by the time it reached court

A judge has struck out a case against a young man because the case was not taken when he was a child in the eyes of the law.

The youth was facing an allegation of theft from an Aldi supermarket store.

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However it was struck out by Judge Desmond Zaidan at Naas District Court.

The court was told that the individual was aged 17 at the time of the alleged offence and he is almost 20 years old now.

Judge Desmond Zaidan noted that the law says that the onus is on the State to bring a child before the court before turning 18 years.

He said a higher court had dictated that the person must be charged and the case heard before they reach 18.

He said if the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions thinks he is wrong it can re-enter the case.