Irish 16-year-old who had consensual sex with a girl his own age 'faces statutory rape charges'

Boy also suffers from a personality disorder

Naas Courthouse, where the comments were made (Google)

A teenager in Ireland who had consensual sex with a female the same age as him is reportedly facing charges of statutory rape.

The boy, who is 16, is reported to suffer from mental health issues and is in state care. The legal age of consent in Ireland in 17.

He appeared in Naas District Court, County Kildare, last week accused of criminal damage charges dating to April 2015.

But the teenager is now charged with having sex with the girl at social event in County Dublin while on bail for the existing counts of criminal damage.

Defence solicitor Arthur Dennehy told the court the girl had informed her parents about the consensual sex when she returned home from the event, the Journal reported.

Her parents reacted by calling the gardai (Irish police) and filing charges against the boy.

Judge Desmond Zaidan said of the boy: “Someone has to guide him and be firm, someone has to give him love. His parents have let him down.”

Judge Zaidan also read from a report which said the accused suffers from a borderline personality disorder which affects his intellect and has a “profound effect on his vulnerability to a negative peer group”.

“He is easily taken advantage of and needs the protection of the state,” Judge Zaidan said.

The judge also told the state solicitor he had “serious concerns” for the welfare of the accused and that he did not think the boy “understands what is going on.”

The teenager has been remanded on bail over the criminal damage charges.

A court case is expected in Dublin soon in relation to the statutory rape charges, the Journal reports.