Assault on minor

The Jammy dodger

An adult on the street grabbed my sisters son and swung him around a bit breaking his chain and he lost his medal. It was a case of mistaken identity for someone else ding dong ditching her door.

The guards were called and they gave two options, go talk to the woman, find out why she did it and give her a verbal warning never to do it again. Or the second option of having her arrested under section 2 assault on a minor.

I'm trying to encourage her to go down the former route and understand that some people just lose their minds a bit with all the annoyance and sadly her son bore the brunt of it. Have her find or replace the medal.

However she's more leaning down the latter route of taking it to court. I'm not sure how that would work and explained there's legal costs and if the evidence isn't concrete enough and only a few kids saw it, then that could be costly for her and not the suspect.

Which would you choose based on the info provided?

dulpit

If somebody put their hands on my child I'd be throwing the book at them.

L Grey

Can she do the first option; and if not satisfactory - proceed with the second option?

Jim_Hodge

There's no cost to her going to court. It's a criminal case with the state taking the case. I'd let them charge her.

Larbre34

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122541194#Comment_122541194

This is correct.

One does not preclude the other. Chances are the first option will yield nothing but abuse and carry-on, so I'd have her formally charged.

She deserves a good scare at the very least, and the former option will not do that.

SCOOP 64

Maybe it could have been totally out of character for this woman in the way she reacted, just lost it in the moment, but if it wasn't she will find out if she talks to the woman and see what reaction she gets then go through the court's if it doesn't go well.

L Grey

Deleted

baxterooneydoody

No one benefits from a court date only solicitors, what's the end game here? she won't do time, we've seen that multiple times repeatedly, an apology and monetary compensation for the chain should be satisfactory to everyone.

Oh and tell your sister to tell her son keep away from people that cause a nuisance to the neighbours by ringing doorbells, it's not funny and often is done under the pretense of being childish fun but is very often kids being scumbags because they can get away with it due to lax parenting and kids just having fun nonsense

The Jammy dodger

Thanks everyone. She just went over to the door and the man and woman began screaming abuse at her and her son who was with her. She's just going to go ahead and formally charge her.

Lenar3556

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122541436#Comment_122541436

Ultimately it’s a matter for the state to decide. The local superintendent will adjudicate on whether it is appropriate that this individual be charged or not as the case may be.

He/She will likely also consider the wishes of your sister, as the child’s parent.

SCOOP 64

So much for my advice giving her the benefit of doubt of her actioned being out of character, obviously these people don't care what they do.

I doubt any prosecution will take place but the family will be told to stay away from your sister and son or action will be taken.

Oscar_Madison

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122541793#Comment_122541793

It would have been my first choice also albeit I would have expected an apology there and then as the guards arrived - had I not got that then option 2. This “lady” has just caused herself a whole heep of unnecessary trouble for the rest of her life

peter4918

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122550583#Comment_122550583

How has she caused herself a whole heap of trouble for the rest of her life? She shouldn’t have done it sure but it’s only a minor assault and if she has never been in trouble before then she will be entitled to an adult caution.

Crakepottle?

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122557091#Comment_122557091

If she decides to remain in that area she will be know as the adult who assaulted a child and accused him in the wrong. Not a recipe for popularity but in fairness she probably doesn't care .

Crakepottle?

"Im very sorry about this. I was at the end of my tether with kids knocking on the door and running away. I genuinely thought it was your son. He looked very like the lad we saw through the window /on the camera .Of course we are willing to make good any damage. Ill apologize to the lad himself also "

ledwithhedwith

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122557091#Comment_122557091

Even for assault of a minor?

foolhardy

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122541189#Comment_122541189

It would depend on what he/she did first! Some children/teenagers are absolutely feral and both they and their parents should be given a good hiding!

Crakepottle?

Parents to accused child "Now son we believed you didn't do it. If by any chance you were caught in the act of knocking on neighbours doors in the future, what do you think might happen. What do you think Mr and Mrs. Bloggs might do if they caught you at their door? What would you say to the police ?