A YOUNG MAN has been accused of looting, vandalising a garda car, and taking part in the Dublin riots in 2023.

The 19-year-old, who has an address in South Dublin, was 16 years old and a juvenile at the time of the alleged offences.

He is charged with engaging in a riot under section 14 of the Public Order Act, punishable by up to a 10-year sentence. He faces four counts of burglary at the Footlocker and ASICS sportswear shops, and the Guud Café on O’Connell Street on 23 November 2023.

There had been large-scale disorder on that date after a knife attack on young children in Parnell Square by Riad Bouchaker (52), who was found guilty three weeks ago of the attempted murder of three young children and intentionally causing serious harm to childcare worker Leanne Flynn.

The teenager is also charged with committing a riot at Cathal Brugha Street and O’Connell Street, criminal damage to a garda car at Parnell Street, and violent disorder by allegedly using or threatening to use unlawful violence at that location on the same date.

He appeared at Dublin Children’s Court on Tuesday after investigating gardaí at Store Street station were issued directions from the Director of Public Prosecutions that he face trial on indictment at a higher level.

The court heard he made no reply when charged. He has yet to indicate a plea to any of the charges, and no facts relating to the allegations were outlined so far during the proceedings.

There was no objection to bail. Judge Paul Kelly ordered him to appear again on a date in September to be served with the prosecution’s book of evidence, at which point he will be sent forward for trial to the Dublin Circuit Criminal Court, which has wider sentencing powers.

Dozens of people have been brought before the courts on serious charges relating to the mass outbreak of violence and various related acts during the rioting.