Woman ‘motivated’ to tackle her drug issues

JUDGE DAVID KENNEDY has put matters involving an Arklow woman back for six months to allow her to re-engage with Probation Services.

Marie Killeen, 29 Abbey Lane, Arklow, was before the local District Court last Wednesday to face charges of theft, intoxication in public and unlawful possession of drugs at Tesco, Arklow, on December 5, 2015.

She was also charged with theft from Lidl, Arklow, on February 12, 2016, and two charges of theft from Sally O’Brien’s, Arklow, on March 8, 2015.

Her solicitor Pauric Hyland said his client had a long history of drug abuse but had been clean for some time having engaged with the Probation Services and taken part in residential treatment.

‘She made considerable efforts to address her drug use and is currently living with her grandmother,’ said Mr Hyland.

However, she had recently relapsed while in a transition house after leaving residential treatment.

Judge Kennedy noted that Ms Killeen had a ‘good attendance’ record with Probation Services but had a clear ‘ history of relapsing.’

Mr Hyland maintained, ‘my client tells me she is extremely motivated.’

Judge Kennedy agreed to put the matter back until May 9, 2018, so Ms Killeen could work with the Probation Services again.

‘Let us see if she can convince the Probation Services of her motivation,’ said Judge Kennedy. A Gorey motorist had a charge of holding a mobile phone while driving struck out after he gave evidence to say he never received a fixed charge penalty in the post.

Victor Tutty, 30 The Gallops, Gorey, was stopped on Bridge Street, Tinahely, by gardaí at 10.17 p.m. on February 14 after he was witnessed holding a mobile phone while driving.

Mr Tutty took to the witness box at Arklow District Court last Wednesday to explain why he never paid the fine. He recalled being stopped by the gardaí and being informed that a fixed charge penalty notice would be sent to his address. However, he ended up never receiving the notice.

‘I went to my local garda station in an effort to pay the fine but they wouldn’t accept it,’ said Mr Tutty.

Judge David Kennedy accepted Mr Tutty’s account of events and struck out the charge.