A judge yesterday, for the second day running, was critical of the State for a continuing lack of a secure detention centre for a disturbed 12-year-old boy. Judge Michael Reilly was told at Newport District Court that St Michael's Assessment Centre in Dublin was prepared to take the boy until Tuesday next and he further remanded him to the centre to appear at Limerick District Court on Tuesday.
"I think it is still disgraceful that a young boy of 12 should be brought up to Dublin in heavy traffic and hauled back down to Limerick on Tuesday when the remand period could have been for much longer. This is not a caring or proper society and not a way to deal with a young lad like this. Were it not for the press coverage of the case to date, the place in St Michael's would not have been available today," said the judge.
He added that the Mid Western Health Board and Mr Bernard Gloster, director of St Vincent's Child Care Centre had done their utmost to place the boy. When told that Trinity House in Dublin was apparently not anxious to take him because of his age, the judge said: "Who is making the laws as to where a person goes? Is it the people who run Trinity House or is it the courts?"
When the judge asked why the boy could be kept only until Tuesday, he was told it was because of overcrowding. Judge Reilly described the situation as wholly inappropriate and praised the health board, the Gardai, Mr Gloster and the Probation Service for their efforts. "They have come up against a blank wall. I would like to commend the press for highlighting the situation." He paid a special tribute to Sgt Justin McCarthy for the manner in which he cared for the boy when in custody at Henry Street Garda station.
Mr Ted McCarthy, solicitor for the boy, said he was very concerned for his welfare and would be hoping to make an application to the High Court on Tuesday in relation to the matter.