Irish 16-year-old who had consensual sex with a girl his own age 'faces statutory rape charges'
Boy also suffers from a personality disorder
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.A teenager in Ireland who had consensual sex with a female the same age as him is reportedly facing charges of statutory rape.
The boy, who is 16, is reported to suffer from mental health issues and is in state care. The legal age of consent in Ireland in 17.
He appeared in Naas District Court, County Kildare, last week accused of criminal damage charges dating to April 2015.
But the teenager is now charged with having sex with the girl at social event in County Dublin while on bail for the existing counts of criminal damage.
Defence solicitor Arthur Dennehy told the court the girl had informed her parents about the consensual sex when she returned home from the event, the Journal reported.
Her parents reacted by calling the gardai (Irish police) and filing charges against the boy.
Judge Desmond Zaidan said of the boy: “Someone has to guide him and be firm, someone has to give him love. His parents have let him down.”
Judge Zaidan also read from a report which said the accused suffers from a borderline personality disorder which affects his intellect and has a “profound effect on his vulnerability to a negative peer group”.
“He is easily taken advantage of and needs the protection of the state,” Judge Zaidan said.
The judge also told the state solicitor he had “serious concerns” for the welfare of the accused and that he did not think the boy “understands what is going on.”
The teenager has been remanded on bail over the criminal damage charges.
A court case is expected in Dublin soon in relation to the statutory rape charges, the Journal reports.
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.