A DUBLIN teenager who threatened to stab another teenager to scare him from giving evidence against him has pleaded guilty to witness intimidation.
The 17-year-old was later given a five-year sentence, with two suspended, for attempted robbery of the 18-year-old.
However, beforehand he tried to obstruct justice by repeatedly approaching the victim to tell him he would be knifed if he gave evidence against him, the Dublin Children’s Court heard.
Garda Paul Lee told Judge Catherine Staines yesterday that in the run-up to a hearing, the teenager approached the victim on two successive days and “made threats to stab the witness in a Circuit Court case if the allegations were not withdrawn”.
Defence solicitor Gareth Noble furnished Judge Staines with background reports on his client, who was accompanied to his case by his mother. He said that during a bail hearing earlier, his client had apologised to his victim.
Judge Staines adjourned the sentencing of the teenager for three weeks in order for a probation report to be furnished. She also said she wanted a “victim impact report in relation to the effects the threats had”.
The boy pleaded guilty yesterday to two counts of threatening, intimidating and putting the victim in fear, with intent of causing justice to be obstructed, in Crumlin on March 5th and 6th last.
At an earlier stage, the defendant had said he “snapped” due to the pressure of his impending Circuit Court case.