Further charges considered for juvenile accused of taking part in Naas, County Kildare, Halloween assault
CASE UPDATE
More charges may be considered for a teenager accused of taking part in an assault in Naas on Halloween Night.
The incident involved a number of youths who fought each other at Basin Street / Harbour View area at around 10.45pm on October 31 last.
Last month, substitute judge Philip O’Leary agreed to 'reluctantly' grant bail for the teenage defendant involved in the case.
The accused, who was accompanied to the court by his mother, denies ever taking part in the assault.
Gardaí who appeared during this court session objected to bail being continued for the teenager, who was granted High Court Bail a few days before the incident occurred.
They told Judge O'Leary that an assault broke out between two groups of teenagers: two of the teens were cut with a knife, while another sustained knife injuries to their head and arm, and one more teen sustained knife injuries to their hand and wrist.
Gardaí said that two of the injured teens positively identified the defendant as being involved in the fight.
On the latest court date — Thursday, December 7 last — Garda Sergeant Mary Meade told the judge that CCTV in relation to the case has been analysed.
Sgt Meade also said that further charges are being considered by the State in relation to the case.
Defending solicitor David Powderly raised the issue while his client, a schoolboy, is subject to a curfew as part of his bail conditions, he has been woken up at 3am by gardaí who are checking to make sure he is at his home residence.
Judge Zaidan said that gardaí 'should strike a balance' in relation to checking up on the boy, and in response, Sgt Meade told him that she would pass on Mr Powderly’s concerns to those involved in the current investigation.
The judge adjourned the case to a date in February of 2024, to allow time for directions from the Director of Public Prosecutions.
He also agreed to remand the accused on continuing bail until the case resumes.