Five teenage suspects were arrested and quizzed by specialist detectives today over the vicious attack on a school pupil as the victim’s father declared: "Justice for my son."
Gardai swooped and lifted three of the youths this morning while two others were brought in for questioning in the afternoon over the incident, which happened on Monday in Navan, Co Meath. The Irish Mirror has learned that one of the suspects in the case had attempted to avoid being caught but his relative brought him into the local Garda station.
Investigators are now satisfied that all those involved in the attack have been identified. The news emerged after Taoiseach Leo Varadkar also spoke with the victim in the case on Thursday evening.
READ MORE: Gardai arrest two more teenagers over Navan assault
The 14-year-old was targeted by fellow schoolkids at Beaufort College secondary school in Navan. He suffered a number of facial injuries, including a number of broken teeth, and had to be treated in Drogheda hospital for his injuries.
A clip of the incident was posted and widely shared on social media as the incident has caused nationwide outrage. The Irish Mirror understands that the actions of two of the five suspects are being treated as more "severe" levels of assault.
Gardai are also probing if the attack was a potential hate crime. A Garda spokeswoman said all the suspects were arrested for alleged offences under Section 3 of the Non-Fatal Offences Against the Person Act, 1999.
It’s understood specialist detectives, trained for interviewing youths, conducted the questioning. The three teens first arrested were released this evening.
Speaking about the trio, the garda spokeswoman added: "A file will be referred in the first instance for consideration for admission to the Juvenile Diversion Programme in accordance with Part 4 of the Children Act, 2001. Investigations are ongoing."
The attack happened off the grounds of Beaufort College, but in an estate beside it and a regular route for students of the school to take as a shortcut back in the direction of Navan town. The school is to issue disciplinary proceedings against students alleged to have been involved in the assault.
It has also put measures in place to support pupils given the spotlight the incident has placed on the school. The victim is said to be "doing well" considering the circumstances.
And as gardai made the arrests today, his father, on social media, said: "Justice for my son."
A garda family liaison officer has also been appointed and is informing the victim and family of any updates as well as providing support.
Speaking in Tipperary today, the Taoiseach told how he was "glad to hear that arrests have happened".
But he did not want to comment further as a Garda investigation is ongoing. He also revealed he spoke to the young lad who was targeted.
Mr Varadkar said: "I also had a chance to speak with the young man and his mother over a video call just to express my solidarity and support.
"They were happy that the gardai had engaged with them, and the school too."
While Justice Minister Simon Harris talked to the boy’s mum on Wednesday night.
He said: "It was a moment that stopped us all in our tracks as we saw this image. I was quite horrified. I think the people in this country were horrified.
"I think we like to think we have gotten to a better place as a country.
"I took the opportunity to speak to the teenage boy’s mum and just to convey my horror and my solidarity and to inquire, most importantly, as to his wellbeing.
"I’d have more to say on the matter other than I am conscious that there is a live garda investigation under way that does need to run its course.
"But I know the whole country is sending our best wishes to that young teenage boy for a speedy recovery."
Gardai continued to appeal for people not to share the footage of the incident.
A spokeswoman said: "Out of respect for the victim in this case we would request that people refrain from sharing this video.
"Gardai are continuing to appeal to any person with information on the assault to contact Navan Garda Station at 046 9079930, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111 or any Garda Station."
Meanwhile, gardai tonight confirmed that the final two minors arrested over the attack on the boy were released without charge. The pair were arrested this afternoon, several hours after the first three were detained.
Gardai said a file on the investigation would now be examined by a senior officer - understood to be from the Garda Youth Diversion Bureau. The first decision the officer will have to make is if the case should see the suspects dealt with under the Juvenile Diversion Programme -which is an alternative to prosecution for kids aged between 12 and 16.
But the Bureau, which is headed by a Chief Superintendent and runs the Programme, has the power to decide not to admit suspects to the scheme. One criterion is the severity of the offence and if suspects are refused admission to the programme, their cases can be dealt with by way of a criminal prosecution in the Children’s Court.
A Garda spokeswoman said last night: "Gardai are continuing to investigate the assault of a teenage boy which occurred in Navan on Monday, the 15th May 2023.
"The two juvenile teenagers arrested this afternoon have been released without charge and a file will be referred in the first instance for consideration for admission to the Juvenile Diversion Programme in accordance with Part 4 of the Children Act, 2001."
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