A teenager launched an attack on a man and woman on one of Dublin's busiest streets mistakenly believing they were two gay men, a court heard yesterday.
It was alleged at the Dublin Children's Court that the boy thought the couple were men because of the woman's hair style. He then attacked, calling them "f. . .ing gay bastards".
The 16-year-old boy has been charged with assaulting the man and assault causing harm to the woman on Middle Abbey Street, on January 26th last.
Garda Philip Earle of Store Street station told Judge John Lindsay that "a couple was walking down Middle Abbey Street at about 7.25pm. As they passed by the accused made comments". Garda Earle said it was alleged the boy then attacked the woman and also her boyfriend when he tried to defend her.
"As the woman tried to get up she was kicked three or four times in the stomach and three or four times on her back," said Garda Earle, adding that she also received a punch to her face.
He said the comments about the couple being gay men arose because of the woman's hair style and during the attack the boy still thought she was a man. Garda Earle said the boy continued making derogatory comments throughout the attack.
The woman was taken to hospital after the attack and further medical reports on her injuries were awaited. It was possible that she suffered a fractured cheek bone, the court was told.
State solicitor Ashling Kelly said that the DPP would consent to trial in the Dublin Circuit Criminal Court if the judge in the Children's Court refused jurisdiction.
Judge Lindsay said he would prefer to have further information on the woman's injuries before making that decision. He remanded the boy on continuing bail to appear next month.