Teen stole dog leads from Portlaoise pet shop
The youth appeared at Portlaoise District Court. File image
A 16-YEAR-OLD boy who was involved in the theft of €200 worth of dog leads from a pet shop in Portlaoise was left in no doubt what will happen to him if he misses one day in school, when he came before last week’s juvenile sitting of Portlaoise District Court.
The youth had previously pleaded guilty to theft from Maxi Zoo, The Kyle Centre, Portlaoise on 10 September.
When the case resumed last week, Judge Susan Fay noted that the boy was attending school “on a part-time basis” and wanted to know why this was, adding: “He won’t be missing much school under my watch. You will attend school every day it’s on.”
Garda Sergeant Jason Hughes said the dog leads were recovered in resaleable condition, adding: “He hasn’t come to garda attention since. He seems to be behaving himself.”
After being informed by Sgt Hughes that the youth had 13 previous convictions, Judge Fay said: “I’m not impressed.”
She told the teenager: “I want you to go to school. I want you to keep your head down and do the best you can. Not being in school means you’re being in trouble. I want you to be in school every day, whether you like it or not.
“I’m going to keep an eye on you. You have a lot of previous convictions, and you are looking at Oberstown (Youth Detention Centre) here. You will go to school every day. Have manners and no lip. You have to turn up and show commitment.
"You will get up in the mornings. Get dressed. Have breakfast and go to school.”
She remanded the youth on continuing bail until the 13 April sitting of the court but wanted a progress report from the Probation Service, together with a letter from the school on 9 March as to his attendance .
She said she was not expecting the youth to be present in court on 9 March, which is a school day, but wanted a letter from the school adding: “I want 100 per cent attendance. You will have no choice. You could be looking at Oberstown if you don’t go to school. Stay out of Maxi Zoo and stay out of trouble.”
