Teenagers with knives threaten pub’s security staff after being refused entry, court hears

TWO 16-year-old boys produced knives and threatened security staff because they were refused entry to a pub in County Limerick, a court has heard.

The two accused, who cannot be named as they are both juveniles, stood beside their mothers in Newcastle West Court. One of them is due to be a father as he is expecting a child with his partner.

Michael O’Donnell, solicitor for one of the accused, said it is a very serious matter.

His client pleaded guilty to production of a knife and assault.

Inspector Barry Manton, prosecuting, said in the early hours of January 29, 2023, the defendant interacted with door staff at Cronin’s bar, Newcastle West.

“A knife was produced and he moved towards security staff in a violent manner.

“He was identified throwing punches at security staff,” said Insp Manton.

The garda inspector said the accused, who is now 17, has no previous convictions.

Mr O’Donnell said his client’s behaviour was extremely out of character.

“It was his first time going out in town and he had his first drink. He drank to excess. He was refused entry and rightly refused entry because he is underage. Matters escalated very quickly - he had a knife in his possession. It is a very serious matter,” said Mr O’Donnell.

The solicitor said his client has left school.

“He has long term plans to go to Australia,” said Mr O’Donnell.

Judge Carol Anne Coolican asked for a pre-sanction report from the Probation Service.

The accused was remanded on bail to a date in February.

The second teenager pleaded guilty to the production of a knife.

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Insp Manton said he acted in consort with another individual outside Cronin’s bar, Newcastle West in the early hours of January 29, 2023.

“Following an interaction with door staff a knife was produced. He acted in a very threatening manner.

“He ran from the scene. The knife was subsequently recovered,” said Insp Manton.

Judge Coolican asked for a pre-sanction report from the Probation Service.

The teenager's solicitor said her client is very apologetic.

The solicitor said that the report would be of great assistance and reserved her plea of mitigation until the next court date in Newcastle West Court.