Girl (12) 'stole taxi and took passenger for a joyride'
18th September 2008
A 12-year-old schoolgirl is believed to have stolen a taxi from outside a restaurant on a busy city street with the passenger still inside.
The primary school pupil eventually crashed and overturned the stolen vehicle after going for a joyride.
Gardai investigating the incident believe the young girl stole the car in broad daylight in Limerick city after the driver went into the restaurant for takeaway food.
He left the keys unattended in the vehicle and a passenger inside the car was taken completely by surprise when the young girl jumped into the driver's seat and started driving. The incident unfolded last week when the young driver took off in the direction of the city's southside.
The stolen taxi was found overturned in an estate on the city's southside and the culprit fled from the area on foot.
The passenger in the vehicle also managed to get out unharmed.
There was significant damage to the car's roof and bodywork and the repair bill is expected to run to thousands of euro.
Investigations into the incident are continuing and it remains to be seen if the prime suspect will be charged in connection with the incident.
The juvenile has come to the attention of gardai in previous years. Officers were previously unable to charge her for any offences she was suspected of committing because of the conditions laid out in the Children's Act 2001.
Under the terms of the Act, Children under the age of 12 cannot be charged with an offence unless it is murder, rape, manslaughter or aggravated sexual assault.
If picked up by gardai for any matter, any juvenile who is under the age of 12 must be released into the custody of an adult.
For all other summary offences, such as public order or motoring crimes, children who have turned 12 can be charged within six months of the offence taking place.
Indictable offences are dealt with in the Circuit Court or Central Criminal Court.
Source; independent.ie
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