A DONEGAL solicitor has called for cases involving juvenile defendants to be dealt with in a quicker manner.
Rory O’Brien was making his comments at a sitting of Letterkenny District Court on Thursday in relation to a young person he is representing.
In Ireland, once a young person turns 18 years, he or she loses access to age-appropriate interventions, entitlements and supports overnight – both in the criminal justice system, and in services provided in the community.
The young male was before the court due to garda concerns that he is not meeting his bail conditions.
Mr O’Brien told the court that his client is “ageing out” and is due to turn 18 in December.
“We had this issue in the past, the State must be conscious of this.”
Judge Ciaran Liddy said he shared Mr O’Brien’s concerns.
Mr O’Brien said: “The issue has arisen regarding a bail address. My client’s mother had to leave that address, and as a result my client also had to leave with her also. We notified gardaí of this. It seems to be some kind of catch-22 situation.”
Judge Liddy said he noted the issue that Mr O’Brien’s client turns 18 in December.
The matter was adjourned until September 18.
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