Football fan asked by Kildare judge to make a promise to him

A Naas District Court judge asked a young football fan to make a promise to him when they appeared before him on Thursday, July 4 last.

The teenager's case was heard during an in-camera (in private) court session, in which a bench warrant was due to be executed by gardaí.

The juvenile, who was accompanied on the date in question by a male relative, was being charged with handling stolen clothes worth over €1,000.

After a garda was sworn in and the bench warrant was executed, the judge asked the teenager if they were in school, and they replied that they were.

"What year are you in?" the judge asked them.

"Third year," they replied.

"OK, so Junior Cert year," the judge said.

When he asked what the teenager's favourite subject was, they replied: "Football."

"That's a good answer!" the judge said with a smile.

"Which team do you support?"

"Man United" the teenager replied.

In response, the judge jokingly made a face of disgust, and the juvenile's defending solicitor, Tim Kennelly, jokingly added: "Remand them in detention!"

File photograph: Solicitor Tim Kennelly defended the teenager in this case.

The court was told that the teenager doesn't have much contact with their parents.

A garda present in the courtroom noted that the teenager had not come to garda attention since moving in with their male relative.

As the court session drew to a close, the judge told the accused: "I'd much rather see you out on the football field than in court."

The judge urged the teenager to stay in school and to focus on their school work, and also encouraged them to pursue their passion for football.

When the teenager said that they would, Judge Zaidan asked them: "Is that a promise (to be of good behaviour)?" 

"Yes," the juvenile replied.