Kildare judge left perplexed by DPP’s decision in juvenile court case

A Naas District Court judge admitted that he was puzzled by the decision made by the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) in one particular court case.

The case in question was heard on Thursday, March 7 last and involved a teenage boy.

Garda Sergeant David Hanrahan told Judge Desmond Zaidan that the case was due in for a Section 75 application, as jurisdiction was previously refused by the judge.

The boy was accused of committing an assault and burglary offence in County Kildare.

Reminding the judge of the accusations levelled against the boy, Sgt Hanrahan said that it was alleged that on a date in 2022, the boy and another unknown teenager approached a man at his home, and asked him to give them a lift.

An argument ensued, and it was alleged that the two teenagers pushed past the man, who was at the door.

The two teenagers allegedly assaulted the man, and gardaí said that this assault allegedly left him receiving nine staples in order to treat his injuries.

After hearing that the assault charge was being withdrawn, Judge Zaidan questioned this: "But the assault is linked to the incident... why did the man need nine staples then if it (the assault) is being withdrawn?"

"It doesn't make sense why the DPP would drop the most serious part of the allegations," he added.

Judge Zaidan said that he would again refuse jurisdiction over the case. and adjourned it to a date in April to allow time for DPP approval in relation to his decision.

A book of evidence is also expected to be served on this date.