This article is from page 9 of the 2013-08-27 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 9 JPG
A “VULNERABLE” young pregnant woman has been remanded in custody so she and her unborn child can receive necessary care and treatment, a court has heard.
The woman was the subject of an extensive two-day search by gardaí in Ennis earlier this month after serious concern was expressed for her and her unborn child at Ennis District Court after she missed a number of drug addiction appointments.
A bench warrant was issued for the arrest of the woman after she failed to appear in court. The 19-year-old appeared back in court in Ennis yesterday following an alleged breach of bail conditions. Inspector Tom Kennedy told the court that gardaí received no response when they called to the woman’s house following the issuing of the bench warrant.
Insp Kennedy told the court that such was his concern, he authorised gardaí to force open the door. The woman, who in the apartment, was then brought before Limerick District Court where bail was again approved on condition that she again comply with all directions of the Probation Services.
Insp Kennedy applied to have the woman, who has pleaded guilty to drugs charges, remanded in custody.
Insp Kennedy said the woman had failed to turn up for scheduled appointments and had “led each and every one of us on a merry dance” around the issue of her care. This application was resisted by defence solicitor Tara Godfrey who urged the court to allow her client to remain on bail to attend future appointments.
The court heard the woman started abusing drugs aged 14. Ms Godfrey told the court that people to whom her client owes money for drugs had recently kicked in the door of the 19 year old’s apartment and taken her keys. “She is particularly vulnerable and dependent on services,” Ms Godfrey added.
She told the court that a failure to attend meetings was not a strong enough reason for the State to deprive her client of her liberty.
Insp Kennedy said the remand in custody was necessary. “It’s incumbent on the State to ensure she gets the treatment she requires,” he added.
Insp Kennedy said no complaint related to alleged break-in at the woman’s apartment had been made to gardaí.
The woman told the court that she was unable to attend appointments because she does not drive and has no family support.
Judge Mary Larkin said she was “quite satisfied” the woman had been in breach of her bail conditions. She remanded her in custody to appear again at Limerick District Court tomorrow. Judge Larkin also ordered that the woman’s name not be reported.