A teenager has pleaded guilty to an aggravated burglary at a 72-year-old man’s home in Co Kildare while he was armed with a hurl, an angle grinder and a bolt cutters.
The resident needed hospital treatment after being attacked at Ardrass Lower, Celbridge at about 9.30pm on February 8th last. Several suspects left the scene on foot and one escaped on a scrambler bike stolen from the property.
In a follow-up search, gardaí arrested a 17-year-old boy on suspicion of aggravated burglary. He was charged with burglary, stealing a ‘08-reg Husaberg motorcycle and was also accused of trespassing at a neighbouring house in a manner that would cause fear and stealing a bicycle.
The boy appeared at the Dublin Children’s Court on Thursday where the offence was upgraded to aggravated burglary due to the possession of weapons. He made no reply to the new charge.
The Director of Public Prosecutions recommended trial on indictment at Circuit Court level and, after a guilty plea was signed, Judge Paul Kelly granted an order sending the youth forward to the higher court for sentencing later this month.