Meat cleaver youth was chased out of house, court is told

Andrew Phelan

A MIDDLE-aged householder fended off a meat cleaver-wielding teenage burglar when he confronted him, it has been alleged.

Sean O'Connor (18) appeared in Dublin District Court charged over the incident in Crumlin.

The case against him was adjourned for statements to be provided to the defence.

O'Connor, of Derry Drive, Crumlin, is charged with aggravated burglary at a house at Cashel Road on January 25.

The court heard the DPP was directing summary disposal of the case on a guilty plea only. This means if the accused denies the charge, he will be sent for trial to Dublin Circuit Criminal Court.

Judge Denis McLoughlin asked a garda sergeant for an outline of the allegations for the purpose of deciding whether to accept jurisdiction to have the case dealt with at District Court level. The sergeant said it would be alleged that the accused kicked in the door of the man's house and entered with a meat cleaver.

It was alleged that he was challenged by the householder, an altercation ensued and he left the house, still in possession of the cleaver.

Judge McLoughlin asked if the age of the alleged victim was known.

BAIL

"I understand he was a middle-aged male on his own in the house at the time," the sergeant replied.

Judge McLoughlin said he would not decide on jurisdiction yet and made an order for the disclosure of prosecution statements to the defence.

He granted legal aid and remanded the accused on continuing bail, to appear in court again on January 10.

aphelan@herald.ie