Teenager attacked boy while with care workers, court told
Thursday July 29 2010
A 17-year-old boy accused of viciously attacking a youngster who is now fighting for his life was being escorted by HSE care workers who failed to stop the alleged assault.
The youth was being transferred by two female HSE staff when he allegedly attacked a 16-year-old boy at the Applegreen garage in Corbally, Limerick, on Friday night.
The victim was last night fighting for his life at the Mid Western Regional Hospital where his condition was described as critical.
The 17-year-old, who cannot be named for legal reasons, was subsequently arrested.
Senior opposition politicians last night called for an urgent review of childcare procedures in light of the alleged attack.
On Tuesday the boy appeared before the Children's Court in Limerick charged with assault causing serious harm.
The court was told the boy is no longer in the care of the HSE as the service has no suitable accommodation. He was rem-anded in custody to St Patrick's Institute and will appear before the court again on August 18.
A spokesman at the HSE's national headquarters said: "Obviously the Childcare Act dictates that we don't comment firstly on individual cases but particularly in relation to children, and particularly children in our care in the current climate of things."
- ine de Paor
Irish Independent
