Two teenage boys to be tried for man's murder

Two teenage boys, aged 17 and 16, are set to be tried for the murder of Alex Coughlan, a 37-year-old man who died after being severely injured in Blanchardstown. Mr Coughlan was attacked on Mill Road around 4:20 pm on May 17th and was found unconscious. He was taken to the hospital in a critical condition and was pronounced dead on May 20th.

A post-mortem examination revealed that he had suffered traumatic head and neck injuries. The two juveniles were initially charged with causing serious harm to Mr Coughlan and robbing him of his bank cards and a €300 gold ring. The boys, who cannot be named due to their juvenile status, are currently held at the Oberstown Children Detention Campus and have been refused bail.

At the Dublin Children's Court, the 17-year-old had his charge of causing harm withdrawn and was instead charged with murder. The Director of Public Prosecutions directed that the case proceed to the Central Criminal Court. The 16-year-old also appeared in court and will be tried on the same murder charge. Both boys will remain in continuing custody pending the preparation of a book of evidence by the prosecutors.

They are expected to appear in court again later in the week, with the trial process expected to be completed within 12 months according to the juvenile protocol.