Two Teenagers to Stand Trial for Murder in Ireland

Two teenage boys accused of murdering a 37-year-old man in Ireland are set to face trial in the Central Criminal Court. Alex Coughlan died on May 20 after suffering severe head and neck injuries during an assault on Mill Road in Blanchardstown on May 17. He was found unconscious and taken to the hospital in critical condition. Following his death, gardaí charged two juveniles, aged 16 and 17, in connection with the incident. Initially accused of assault causing serious harm and robbery, the charges against the 17-year-old were upgraded to murder. He made no reply when the charge was put to him, and the robbery charge remains. The Director of Public Prosecutions has directed trial in the High Court for both teenagers. The boys, who cannot be named due to their age, were refused bail and remain in the Oberstown Children Detention Campus. The case resumed at the Dublin Children's Court, where the murder charge was formally presented. The court noted that the case falls under a juvenile protocol, imposing a strict 12-month time limit for the trial process from the date of the initial charge. The older teen's solicitor requested he appear via video link, while his mother was present in court. Both boys have been remanded in custody pending the preparation of evidence.

“

traumatic head and neck injuries