An out-of-control teenager has been detained for two years in the Trinity House detention centre after a judge was told that staff in Oberstown Boys' Centre were afraid of him.
The 15-year-old boy, who had spent seven months on remand in Oberstown Boy's for a place in a high support unit, had been released from custody and ordered to live at a hostel but continued to commit offences, the Dublin Children's Court heard.
He had taken part in phone snatches after absconding from custody and once attacked a garda.
In May 2003, he had been released on bail on condition that he resided at a hostel, attended anger-management counselling and took the educational assistance which would be made available to him there.
The case was then adjourned for sentencing in July to monitor the teenager's behaviour but he failed to appear in court and avoided detention.
Since then he has been arrested for offences associated with car theft, Judge Mary Collins noted.
She said yesterday that the teenager had complied with none of the bail conditions set down by the court.
The acting director for Oberstown Boys' Centre addressed the court saying it would be preferable if the boy was sent to another facility.
He told the court that while in its custody, the boy had bullied, harassed and attacked several members of staff in the unit - with one of them having to take sick leave because of his injuries.
He also added that he would have concerns for the safety of the staff if the teenager was sent back to Oberstown Boys' Centre. Judge Collins imposed a two-year order detaining the teenager in the Trinity House detention centre.