A youth who took part in a car theft which left its owner more than €4,000 out of pocket is to be brought on holiday by social workers to Britain to see his family.
The 16-year-old, who had been drifting between Ireland and Britain, where his parents reside, had pleaded guilty at the Children's Court to travelling as a passenger in a car which had been stolen in Kinnegad, Co Westmeath, on March 1st and ended up badly damaged after a chase in Newcastle, Co Dublin.
He had last seen his mother nearly a year ago and had lacked parental guidance during that time, Judge Angela Ní Chonduin heard.
Judge Ní Chonduin heard that the youth was currently residing in hostel accommodation and hoped to start an apprenticeship shortly.
A recent assessment of him stated that his involvement in crime stemmed from his being homeless at the time.
Since being placed in the hostel, where he now had the support of a social worker, he had been making efforts to stay away from crime and was taking part in a project to help members of the Travelling community.
He had not seen his mother, who resides in Britain, in nearly a year although she had kept in contact and wanted to see him.
It was also planned that later this month a social worker would accompany him to Britain for a week to visit his mother, the court heard.
Judge Ní Chonduin explained to the car-owner that there was little prospect of getting compensation from the youth for the damage caused to the car.
She granted bail and adjourned the case until January 30th next for a probation report on the youth to be furnished to the court. She ordered him to obey a nightly curfew at the hostel except for the week when he is to travel to Britain.
Judge Ní Chonduin also stressed that it was important for the youth to begin a training course and she warned him that if he reoffended in the meantime he would be facing custody.
Appeal for missing girl (14)
Gardaí have appealed for the public's assistance in tracing the whereabouts of a 14-year-old girl who has been missing since Monday. Pauline Boyle was last seen at Donabate, Co Dublin, train station.
Pauline, who has an address in Portrane, is described as 1.65 metres (5ft 5in) in height and of stocky build. She has sallow skin, brown eyes and long brown hair.
When last seen she was wearing a black jacket, brown tracksuit and white runners.
Anybody with information is asked to contact Swords gardaí at 01-6664700.
Probation and welfare director
The director of Trinity House juvenile detention centre, Lusk, Co Dublin, has been appointed director of the probation and welfare service. Michael Donnellan will take up his position on September 5th.
He succeeds Seán Lowry who is retiring from the position after three years.
Mr Donnellan was director of the Finglas Children's Centre, Dublin, between 1994 and 1998.
He worked in London as a social worker for nine years. He will be responsible for the management and operation of the Probation and Welfare Service which employs over 430 staff in 37 locations across the State.