10 year-old Derry boy in court on assault charges

A ten -year-old boy has appeared at Derry Magistrate’s Court accused of assaulting his mother.
The boy, who cannot be named because of his age, is charged with common assault, criminal damage and assault on police.
He is further charged with possessing an offensive weapon, namely a saw.
The charges relate to an alleged incident on April 2.
Defence solicitor Paddy MacDermott said that social services are attempting to secure a residential place for the boy.
He applied for the ten -year-old to be released on bail subject to an approved address.
District Judge Barney McElholm released the boy on his own bail of £50 to an approved address.
He stated ‘I should not stray into the realms of policy, but the idea of criminal responsibility being ten does not sit well with me’.
The case was adjourned until April 19 and the boy was excused from appearing.