Naas Judge slams state for allowing brothers from travelling community before court 'slip through net' while they were children
A Naas Judge slammed the state for allowing two brothers from the travelling community before the District Court slip through the net while they were children.
Sgt Brian Jacob outlined to the court how the 18-year-old accused had nine bench-warrants.
He was charged with causing criminal damage to a car on October 28, 2016, and threatening a Garda while holding a steel bar to break into a car.
The 18 -year-old faced nine charges of not turning up for court while on bail.
His 20-year-old brother, appeared before the court on a separate charge. He was charged with stealing two boxes of Bulmers Cider from Applegreen, Derrinturn, on November 14, 2018. The court heard how he had a history of 28 bench-warrants.
Defence Solicitor David Powderly, representing the brothers, told the court how they are living in caravans and are now able to attend court since they have been able to secure a bus pass.
The court heard how both brothers left school early and are illiterate.
Addressing the 18-year-old Judge Desmond Zaidan said: "Do you not feel sorry for yourself? Have you no ambition? How will you go forward if you do not have basic reading and writing skills. How did these boys slip through the net?"
The 18-year-old told the court how he had spent the night before in Cloverhill Prison and ' did not enjoy it.'
Judge Zaidan asked the 18-year-old where he sees himself in 10 years time to which he replied, 'I am trying to do my best. I am trying to get a job.'
Judge Zaidan said that while he considered releasing the 18-year-old, he would remand him in custody until next Tuesday at Kilcock District Court.
He asked Probation Services to engage with the teenager.
Judge Zaidan said: "This boy needs protection or he will spend the rest of his life in jail. I can't release him until there is some structure for him."
His 20-year-old brother before the court.
He told the court how the night before he considered ending his life.
Evidence was given that he takes antidepressants, Xanax and painkillers and that he went back drinking following a break-up with his wife. The court heard how their older brother took his own life.
Judge Zaidan criticised the state for not ensuring that the family had receiving psychiatric help following the death of their brother.
He ordered that both brothers appear before Naas District Court next Tuesday. He ordered that adequate medical attention is given to the 20-year-old who told the court how he had considered taking his own life.