Boy appears in court after car driven wrong way on M50

A 16-year-old boy has appeared in court charged with dangerous driving after a car was repeatedly driven on the wrong side of the M50 and other roads in Dublin.

The car collided with a civilian's car and two Garda vehicles, Dublin Children's Court heard.

The youth, who cannot be identified because he is a minor, appeared before the court today following his arrest in connection with the incident last night.

He is accused of stealing a Toyota car and seven counts of dangerous driving, mainly in the Finglas area of north Dublin, including at Junction 5 on the M50.

In evidence, the officer said a car was detected after overtaking several other vehicles against oncoming traffic in Finglas.

The court heard it drove on the wrong side of roundabouts against traffic on three occasions during the drive. It also repeatedly drove on the wrong side of roads against oncoming traffic before making its way onto the M50, where it is alleged it drove the wrong way up the slip road at Junction 5 and collided with a civilian vehicle.

The garda said the car continued and exited the M1 until it finally collided with the two Garda vehicles. No evidence was given of any injuries caused.

Garda Seán Power objected to the boy's bail, citing the seriousness of the case and fears he would not attend trial.

Due to ongoing industrial action by solicitors in response to legal aid reforms, the boy had no representation. Judge Patricia Cronin gave the teenager, who was accompanied to court by his father, an opportunity to read over the Garda objections and consider them before proceeding with the bail hearing.

She warned the teenager not to say anything that could be used against him in the proceedings, and noted that extra charges could potentially be brought and his case sent to a higher court capable of imposing harsher penalties.

When Judge Cronin asked Garda Power if he would agree to any bail conditions, given the lack of legal representation, the garda declined.

However, the judge held that strict bail conditions could adequately address the concerns.

She ordered the boy to abide by a nightly curfew, remain contactable by phone, stay out of the Finglas area, refrain from entering any car, and use public transport while his case is pending.

He must engage with a bail supervision programme, prove compliance with his curfew, and attend a training programme. He was also told not to contact a second youth arrested during the incident.

The judge adjourned the case pending directions from the Director of Public Prosecutions and to check his compliance with bail conditions. He will appear before the court again in October on this matter.

The other teenager arrested in relation with the incident was released with a file to be sent to the Youth Diversion Programme.