A DUBLIN youth will be sentenced next month for his role in a gang attack and robbery of a fast-food delivery man who was dragged away from his car and beaten.

The 17-year-old boy, who has a string of prior criminal convictions, pleaded guilty yesterday to charges of assault causing harm and robbery of the man, during the incident in Tallaght, on the evening of April 14 last.

In evidence, Garda David Jennings told Judge John Lindsay at the Dublin Children's Court that the delivery man had just got out of his car when he was approached by two youths who hit him in the face.

He was then “dragged” to a corner where his wallet, containing €50 as well as assorted cards, and his car keys were taken.

Gda Jennings said the man suffered a cut over of his eyes as well as facial bruising.

He also agreed with the defence barrister that the teenager was not one of the youths who had initially approached the victim. The court also heard the boy was arrested later and made admissions to gardai that he was involved.

The teenager, who was accompanied to court by a family member, had 17 prior criminal convictions for: drug possession, possessing a weapon, having an implement for use in a theft offence, failing to appear in court, obstruction of a garda, breach of the peace as well as dangerous driving and other motoring offences.

Judge Lindsay heard that the teenager is currently serving a sentence and could be released in November. The defence asked the judge to note that the youth has been diagnosed as having Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder which had created problems for him. Since going in to a detention centre, he has been been attending classes and gym and has had a more “structured” life, the defence also said in their mitigation plea.

Judge Lindsay adjourned sentencing the teenager for three weeks to allow time for a probation report on the youth to be furnished to the court.

Another 17-year-old boy is also due to be sentenced next month for his role in the incident, while two other co-defendants have pleaded not guilty. They are aged 17 and 13 and are expected to go on trial in September.

Special directions had to be obtained from the DPP in relation to the youngest defendant as to whether his prosecution should proceed in light of his age.

The four cannot be identified because they are minors protected by the Children's Act's reporting restrictions.