Armed teen in threat to kill vice-principal

The teen (16) admitted that he was drunk when he broke into the Wexford VEC on August 14, 2010.

An automatic alarm system alerted VEC vice-principal Patrick Lacey to the break-in and he arrived in the early hours at the school ground on Spawell Road.

As he investigated the incident, he came across the teenager who was attempting to climb out of the window.

The youth had a handgun in one hand and an iron bar in the other.

He threatened to kill Mr Lacey as he made his escape.

Later, a garda found the boy lying on the ground behind the wall with the gun in his hand.

Gardai told the Children's Court that they have serious concerns about the teenager.

At the beginning of the year, on January 3, the schoolboy picked up a pickaxe and lifted it over his head a number of times while in care.

aerosol

"Staff didn't recover it for two days," Inspector Pat McDonald said.

On another occasion Insp McDonald said that the teen was going around with aerosol cans.

The Children's Court was told that the teenager is further charged with stealing a bike on Barrack Street, Wexford, on August 8 and that he faces other serious charges.

The boy has served most of a six-month detention and supervision order and is under the supervision of the Probation services.

The teen said that he has changed his lifestyle and his circle of friends.

"I have calmed down and looked at the friends I had," he said.

"I don't feel I need to use alcohol or narcotics any more."

It was agreed that the teenager would return to live with his aunt until his case is heard again.

The case was adjourned to February 7.

clairemurphy@herald.ie