Boy, 17, part of armed raid which threatened to kill garda
A Dublin teenager has admitted taking part in an armed robbery during which an off-duty garda was told he was going to be shot.
Garda Brendan O'Toole had an imitation gun pointed his head when he tackled raiders at a shop on Mountpleasant Avenue in Ranelagh, south Dublin, on May 22, the Dublin Children's Court heard.
Garda O'Toole had been on his way to work when he saw them going into the shop. He said the youth's accomplice pointed a replica firearm at him and threatened to “blow my f***ing head off”.
The garda let go of the 17-year-old, who made good his escape, however, the court heard that Garda O'Toole recognised the youth.
The court also heard that the shopkeeper, a man in his sixties, was held up by the two raiders.
Garda O'Toole intervened as the youth had approached the till while his accomplice, who had the imitation gun, waited at the door.
The court also heard that Garda O'Toole had recognised the teenager, who had been the victim of a serious crime two years ago.
Gardaí had handed over copies of CCTV evidence and prosecution statements to the defence and the boy's solicitor Gareth Noble confirmed that his client was pleading guilty.
The teenager is facing charges for attempted robbery, resisting arrest and possessing a replica semi-automatic pistol contrary to the Firearms Act.
The DPP had recommended that the teenager should be tried on indictment in the Circuit Court which has tougher sentencing powers. However, after hearing submissions from the defence, Judge John O'Connor had accepted jurisdiction for the case to be dealt with in the juvenile court.
He said that a probation report had to obtained before the court can proceed to sentencing.
The youth, who was told he could be facing a term in a detention centre, was accompanied to court by an extended family member.
As a condition of bail he must obey a curfew at his home from 10pm to 8am.
An adult co-accused is facing separate proceedings in connection with the incident.
