Good weather and teenager’s (17) new relationship led to bad probation report
By Brendan Grehan
THE “GOOD weather” and a teenager’s new relationship has led to a bad probation report, a teenager’s solicitor told Tallaght District Court.
The 17-year-old, who has an address in Tallaght, had pleaded guilty to simple possession of cannabis at a location in Tallaght on April 17, 2017.
He had also pleaded guilty to having no insurance and no driving licence at a location in Tallaght on July 14, 2017.
He also pleaded guilty to stealing petrol worth €20.01 from a petrol station in Tallaght on June 15, 2017. He was accompanied by his mother and a social worker.
The court had heard that on April 17, 2017, a garda came across the teenager and got a strong smell of cannabis from him.
The garda searched the teenager and found a small bag containing €15 worth of cannabis.
The court had also heard that on July 14, 2017, a garda had stopped the teenager who was driving a car. He had no licence or insurance and the car was seized.
The court had heard that the teenager had 13 previous convictions.
At Bray District Court on April 17 last, he received the Probation Act for simple possession of drugs.
He was before Judge Patricia McNamara for a probation report on both matters.
The teenager’s solicitor, Michael Hennessy told Judge McNamara: “I know it’s not a good report.
“It was due to a combination of the good weather and a burgeoning relationship with his girlfriend.”
Judge McNamara noted that the teenager had missed some appointments with the Probation Service.
Mr Hennessy: “I know he should be spending his time with the Probation Service and not out in the good weather with his girlfriend. When he is good, he is very good.”
Judge McNamara told the teenager: “Do you want to engage with the Probation services. I am glad to hear that you are in a good relationship. I can deal with this case today.”
Mr Hennessy asked the judge to give his client one more chance.
He said the teenager would pay the €20 for the petrol. Judge McNcNamara remanded the teenager on continuing bail for two weeks for a probation report.
