Judge Seamus Hughes was horrified to hear that a 16-year-old boy drinks up to 10 pints on a night out.
“A mature man after a hard week’s work would consider that a good night’s drinking,” said the incredulous judge.
“If you think 10 pints is satisfactory for 16, you need to speak to a professional person - it’s far too much,” he added, asking the boy to think what he would be drinking by his mid 20s at that rate.
“And why spend your money so foolishly?” he asked.
The court heard the boy has remained out of trouble for a considerable time and his juvenile case manager Garda Dave Hannan said his family has been supportive. He is attending with Barnardo’s and also volunteering with them, as well as doing a FÁS course.
On the basis that he was impressed with his progress, the judge had lifted the boy’s curfew and adjourned the case to see how he could rise to the test of having more freedom.
It was only afterwards the boy admitted he does take a drink - “About 10, judge”.
“You’re not serious,” was the judge’s stunned reply.
