Wednesday 28 October 2026Compiled from published reports. Every claim links to its source.

Ireland Crime

Every case followed from the first report to the sentence, or to where the reporting stopped.

Case No. 2581Child welfare (special care order, heroin addiction) · Co. Dublin · 10 Jan 2025

17-year-old heroin addict described as 'dying before the eyes' at Dublin District Court

A 17-year-old heroin addict was described as 'dying before the eyes' of professionals at Dublin District Court, where Judge John Campbell adjourned the child welfare case for a week. The boy, on three bags of heroin a day, was returned to a special care accommodation unit after being prioritised over other vulnerable children waiting for a place.

  1. Reportednot reported
  2. Arrestednot reported
  3. Chargednot reported
  4. In court11 Jan
  5. Verdict
  6. Sentenced
reportedhappened, not reportedlatest stagenot yet

Key facts

consolidated from all reports
12 statements extracted from the articles
  • whatHe is taking three bags of heroin per day. (irishtimes.com)
  • whatHe had been in care earlier in the previous year. (irishtimes.com)
  • whatHe was returned on Thursday to a special care accommodation unit after being prioritised over other vulnerable children. (irishtimes.com)
  • whatHe had been in the special care facility the previous year and underwent detoxification. (irishtimes.com)
  • whatThe State has beds for 26 children in secure accommodation but only 15 are available due to staffing issues. (irishtimes.com)
  • whatHe was not placed in a unit until April due to a shortage of beds. (irishtimes.com)
  • whatHe was not placed in a bed until Thursday when he was prioritised. (irishtimes.com)
  • whereHe is sleeping in a single tent in a disused building with his mother and teenage girlfriend. (irishtimes.com)
  • courtHe was the subject of a special care order from the High Court in February of the previous year. (irishtimes.com)
  • courtHe was the subject of a second special care order in October. (irishtimes.com)
  • courtJudge John Campbell adjourned the case for a week to monitor the situation. (irishtimes.com)
  • courtThe hearing took place at Dublin District Court on Friday. (irishtimes.com)

The reporting

newest first
  1. 11 Jan2025
    In courtirishtimes.com, first report
    Teenage heroin addict ‘dying before the eyes’ of those seeking to care for him, court told

    First report of the child welfare case at Dublin District Court; judge adjourned for one week to monitor the teenager's situation before he ages out of the system.

    victim, 17, male