This article is from page 7 of the 2006-02-14 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 7 JPG
A 15-YEAR-OLD girl appeared before an Ennis court last week, charged with a list of offences including threatening a person with a knife.
Judge Aeneas McCarthy heard that the girl, who cannot be named for legal reasons was “out of control” during the time between April and September last year when she committed a series of offences, including the knife threat, stealing alcohol from Dunnes Stores, stealing a handbag, theft, assault and criminal damage at shops in Ennis and possession of the banned drug, Ecstasy. The offences took place in locations in Ennis, including Fifila Belle’s, Cornucopia and the boys’ national school, the court heard.
The court heard that the girl was currently the subject of a care order, which has seen her placed in a secure facility catering for troubled young people.
One of the guardians appointed to the 15-year-old at the facility, told Judge Aeneas McCarthy that she had been making such good progress that she had been allowed home for Christmas and for weekend visits.
The Health Services Executive’s plan drawn up for her, provides that she can soon be moved to another, high-support unit in Limerick, which has a more open regime.
“She has been obedient, cooperative and pleasant to work with,” the guardian said.
Her mother had been co-operating with the girl’s programme and her father had also been very supportive, the guardian said.
Judge Aeneas Mccarthy said that he would adjourn the case until May 12 to allow the therapeutic programme which she was undergoing, to continue.
“She seems to be doing very well in the secure unit,’ the judge said.
He adjourned the case and remanded the teenager to the care of the Health Service Executive.