A judge has ordered the arrest of a 14-year-old boy charged with arson for his role in a firebomb attack that destroyed a family's home in Dublin.
The three occupants of the house were treated for non-life-threatening injuries but their family dog died in the blaze.
The teenager, charged with arson of the house on Landen Road, Ballyfermot, which was left gutted on 21 May, was due to face a trial venue hearing at the Dublin Children's Court today.
However, neither the teenager nor members of his family turned up, and the defence could not explain their absence.
Judge Paul Kelly acceded to a garda application to issue a bench warrant for the boy.
His case was scheduled for a preliminary ruling on whether the case would stay in the Children’s Court or go to the Circuit Court, which can impose harsher sentences.
The boy cannot be named because he is a juvenile with the right to anonymity.
