Boy (15) 'addicted to stealing cars' warned over social media video ban

Tom Tuite

A 15-year-old Dublin boy described as "addicted to stealing cars" has been warned that a ban on his motor theft-related social media videos remains in force.

The boy, who has already admitted five car thefts, was due to enter a plea to another motoring offence at the Dublin Children's Court on Monday.

However, the teenager had no lawyer due to the ongoing dispute, in which solicitors had withdrawn their services over reforms that would provide flat fees for District Court legal aid cases.

Judge Toale adjourned the case for two weeks and sternly reminded the teenager that an earlier order banning his car-crime video posts on social media remained in effect.

He is still also banned from travelling in or on "anything with an engine" unless he is with a licensed and insured driver, the judge stated.

The teen had previously spent a month in custody on remand and was warned he would return there if he broke the terms.

The boy, who cannot be named because he is a minor, has been in voluntary care since last year.

Tusla, the child and family agency, attended the proceedings, which had heard that his family "cannot handle" him.

The judge noted a report from the agency setting out future care plans for the boy.

At an earlier hearing, defence barrister Orla Doolin said that the teenager had become addicted to stealing cars, but was very forthright in his dealings with the Probation Service and made no denials.