Teenage boy still waiting for secure accomodation

A judge has said he is '˜amazed' that the Western Health and Social Care Trust have not yet decided whether a teenage boy accused of threatening to kill a social worker meets the criteria for secure accomodation.
By The Newsroom
Published 15th Jan 2016, 09:37 BST
Updated 15th Jan 2016, 10:38 BST
The courthouse at Bishop Street, Derry.The courthouse at Bishop Street, Derry.
The courthouse at Bishop Street, Derry.

District Judge Barney McElholm made the comment as the 14-year-old appeared at the local magistrates court via videolink.

The teen, who cannot be named because of his age, is charged with making a threat to kill on October 20, last year.

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The case was listed for a bail application, however a defence barrister told the court the Trust have not yet decided if the boy meets the criteria for secure accomodation.

Eoghan Devlin said his client has been in custody for almost 80 days as ordinary residential care was deemed unsuitable by the court.

District Judge McElholm said he would ‘love to have someone from the Trust sitting in front of me’ to explain the delay in making the decision.

‘If there is a bed available, I am sure there are many suitable candidates, but I can’t think of one more suitable than this young man at the moment.’