Girl, 15, is accused of assaulting policeman

A 15-year-old girl allegedly assaulted a policeman as he tried to stop her tying a ligature round her neck, the High Court heard yesterday.

She had used a shoelace as part of repeated attempts made at a children’s home in Co Down on Sunday, prosecutors said.

The girl was granted bail after defence lawyers argued she poses no danger to anyone other than herself.

Kate McKay, prosecuting, said officers were called to the home because she had tied a ligature around her neck and refused to remove it.

When they arrived they restrained her and removed a black lace in the presence of social workers, the court heard.

Mrs McKay claimed the girl made up to four attempts to tie something around her throat while police were present.

During one incident she allegedly lunged with her arm, striking an officer.

On that basis she was charged with assault on police.

Acknowledging the girl’s age, Mrs McKay raised no opposition to her right to be released from custody.

A defence barrister confirmed the children’s home is prepared to take her back.