SIXTY PEOPLE attacked gardaí with rocks, missiles and a petrol bomb during riots which erupted in Finglas, Dublin, on St Patrick's Day, the Children's Court heard yesterday.
Seven youths had been charged earlier with a range of offences at Berryfield and Cardiffsbridge Road, in Finglas on March 17th last and previously had been remanded until yesterday for directions from the DPP to be obtained.
One 16-year-old boy, who cannot be identified, has been charged with threatening to kill a garda, obstructing a garda, and engaging in abusive behaviour, at Cardiffsbridge Road, Finglas.
Garda Eamon Ryan said the boy had been arrested at Cardiffsbridge Road following a public order incident and was then taken to Finglas station.
At the station, the accused made threats to the garda. The boy who was accompanied to court by his brother has pleaded not guilty to the charges and was remanded on bail pending his hearing in January.
Three 16-year-old boys have been charged with engaging in violent disorder.
Three youths who were juveniles at the time but have now turned 18, are also facing charges.
In relation to the violent disorder charges, Garda Doyle, told Judge Elizabeth MacGrath that "60 people attacked a Finglas patrol van. A number of bottles and stones were thrown and a petrol bomb. Although no one was observed throwing particular missiles, the accused was identified."
Judge MacGrath heard that, during that day, there had been a massive public order incident during which 60 to 80 were involved, with cars being hijacked and burned out.
Judge MacGrath put one case back until next week. Others were remanded on bail to appear again next month to allow them time to consider their pleas.