Traumatised by loved ones’ deaths Drug relapse lands mum back in strife

A DRUG user found herself back in the court system after relapsing from nearly six years of sobriety.

Leigh Therese Eichorn pleaded guilty to two counts of possessing dangerous drugs, related drug offences, two counts of failing to appear for court dates as well as a charge of driving while disqualified.

Magistrate Cathy Wadley said the Townsville mother was on a community service order for similar offending last year and failed to complete any of the 60 hours of work assigned to her.

Eichorn’s most recent offending occurred between March and May 2018; she was found in possession of 15 cannabis seeds, a small amount of methamphetamine, a and other utensils.

Ms Wadley said there was no allegation the drugs were intended to be sold, labelling it all for personal use.

Defence solicitor Tracy Brown said her client had a history of drug offending but experienced a significant period of time out of trouble with the law after completing a rehabilitation program in 2010.

“There was a gap of six years where there was no offending before the court,” Ms Brown said.

“Unfortunately in 2016 Ms Eichorn suffered the death of (three family members).

“That saw her relapse into her drug use.

“She entered a relationship that lasted six months before he too passed away.” syringe

Ms Wadley said a physiologist report stated Eichorn suffered “significant trauma” due to the loss of family members that led to her relapse.

Ms Brown said her client had proven she could manage her drug use if provided appropriate assistance.

Eichorn was sentenced nine months’ probation.

She will be required to report to a probation and parole officer regularly and take part in any relevant programs or testing.

The court heard Eichorn also had a lengthy and troubling traffic history with seven previous convictions for unlicensed driving and three for disqualified driving.

For her latest disqualified driving she will be without a licence for two more years. to