Judge warns 17-year-old youth life will change after birthday

A 17-year-old youth who has breached his bail on numerous occasions was told today by District Judge Barney McElholm 'your life is going to change after you reach 18'.

The youth appeared charged with breaching his bail by being intoxicated and a police officer said that a breath test revealed a reading of 146mgs with the legal limit being 35mgs.

The officer said that this was the 17th breach of bail and Judge McElholm said that it was 'a ludicrous situation' that due to legislation he had no choice but to release him again.

The police officer said that the youth is turning 18 in September and Judge McElholm told the youth 'you come in here for breaching bail after you are 18 and no one can say give him a chance as you have had all your chances.'

The youth will appear again next month in the Youth Court.