Boy stole from Luas machine 'for food'

Tom Tuite

A boy (14) who stole €20 from a Luas ticket-dispensing machine by prodding it with a stick has been remanded on bail pending sentence.

The teen, originally from Romania, but who came to Ireland six months ago with his family, claimed he needed the money for food.

He pleaded guilty at the Children's Court yesterday to the theft on Dublin's Abbey Street, on September 4.

He also admitted failing to move from the vicinity of the Jervis Luas stop when he had been cautioned under the Public Order Act on November 27.

Garda Elaine Holmes told Judge William Early that, during the theft, the teen "stuck a stick" into the ticket machine and €20 in coins came out.

Aggressive

During the second incident, the boy had been cautioned to move away from the Jervis stop after causing problems and becoming aggressive towards Luas security staff.

Judge Early noted that the boy, who was not attending a school, had no prior convictions.

Defence solicitor Maura Kiely said her client, who lives in south Dublin, was apologetic.

She submitted that on the day of the theft the boy "needed money for food".

Ms Kiely said the boy's mother was unwell and "things were bad at home".

She said that the teen not being in education would give the court concerns and "in light of the charges, there would be a welfare issue as well".

Judge Early remanded the boy on bail for sentencing in June to allow time for a Probation and Welfare Service report.

hnews@herald.ie