Murderer holds mother's hand and cries briefly

The 17-year-old convicted murderer, Christopher Dunne, reached for his mother's hand as a sentence of life in prison for his murder of schoolboy Alan Higgins was read out in the Central Criminal Court.

Dunne, from Kilbarrack, Dublin, was just 15 when he stabbed Mr Higgins to death in an unprovoked attack outside the UCI cinema complex in Coolock in October 2002.

The youth, who was also convicted of robbing his victim of a mobile phone and some cash, had stood alone when Mr Justice Abbott began to read the sentence but took his mother's hand, bringing her to her feet, as the judge explained he must impose a mandatory life sentence for the murder.

The two stood together for the remainder of the sentencing, Ms Dunne occasionally wiping her eyes with her scarf.

Mr Justice Abbott said Dunne had engaged in a campaign of "absolute banditry" the night Higgins was killed, having robbed and assaulted several "innocent young people" prior to the killing.

He had made no attempt to avoid the consequences of the attack or to help the deceased after having stabbed him, the judge said.

In mitigation, Dunne was "disadvantaged by a lack of academic ability", Mr Justice Abbott said. However, he added that this did not stop him from leading events on the night in question.

"His lack of ability may be outweighed by his ability to influence others."

Following the sentencing, Dunne returned to his seat and cried briefly.

Mrs Miriam Higgins, the victim's mother, remained silent throughout the sentencing.

She has asked for time to digest the sentences and may make a statement at a later date.