'Gardai not trained to pursue scramblers

Top cop warns force can't tackle 2-wheeler thugs

- BY PAUL HEALY Crime Correspondent

GARDAI don't have the training to legally pursue thugs on scramblers, an officer has warned.

Detective Garda Mark Ferris, who works in the same community where tragic Grace Lynch, 16, was killed by a scrambler on Sunday, said he has been raising the issue about the dangers of these vehicles for years - yet officers remain without the training required to actually pursue them.

Speaking exclusively to this paper, Det Gda Ferris, a GRA representative for the DMR West region, said the crash which claimed Grace's life had deeply affected officers.

But he said that sadly nothing has changed over the years for gardai to be able to stop young thugs speeding through the area on scramblers, scooters and e-bikes.

Keith Lee, 18, of Park View Drive, Poppintree Park, Dublin, has been in court charged with dangerous driving causing Grace's death.

It was heard that Mr Lee accepted evidence given in court that he was "caught red-handed" and that he made "full admissions" to causing the crash and did not want to cause Grace's family any further grief. He is due before the court again in May.

"First and foremost, my heart goes out to the family and friends of Grace Lynch," Det Gda Ferris said. "This is an unspeakable tragedy, and it has deeply affected both the local community and members of An Garda Siochana in the K District.