Teenager found guilty of attempting to extort money from mother

Tom Tuite

A Dublin youth is awaiting sentence after admitting he attempted to extort €2,500 from his mother.

The boy, 17, who cannot be named because he is a minor, pleaded guilty at the Dublin Children's Court after demanding money with menaces and vandalising the woman's home on a date in May.

He also admitted possessing cannabis worth 25 on a later date and two minor assaults on gardaí.

Garda Kelly Mannion said the teenager's reply to the charge was "sorry".

Judge Paul Kelly heard that the teen's mother said her son "threw a rock through her top window".

He then threatened to return and smash more windows if she did not give him the €2,500 before threatening to break windows at her neighbour and workplace.

Garda Mannion added that the teenager did not carry out the additional threats, and the boy's mother did not hand over the money.

The teenager, now in care, was accompanied to court by his solicitor and social worker.

Tusla solicitor Arthur Denneny furnished reports, and the court heard the teenager has taken part in a justice programme.

He was due to take up an educational course placement and told Judge Kelly he wanted to commence "as soon as possible".

His mother was not required to attend court or testify due to her son's guilty plea.

Judge Kelly said the teen had a lot of issues and needed help. He adjourned sentencing until later this month for a probation report and victim impact statement to be furnished to the court.

The boy was remanded on bail.