Case struck out against woman

After hearing that a 40-year- old woman will not be able to take up a new job if she has a conviction, the judge decided to strike out the case against Jessica Hanlon.

The defendant, of Constitution Hill, Drogheda, pleaded guilty to forging a prescription at Hickey’s Pharmacy, 9 West Street, on 6 June, 2017, and theft at Tesco, West Street on the following 16 August.

Solicitor James Allen said at the time his client had a significant drugs and drink addiction, which stemmed from an accident she had in January, 2016, which left her in a cast for seven months.

Hanlon, who has no previous convictions, has since completed a course in Cuan Mhuire addiction treatment centre.

Mr Allen added she is anxious to return to work and requires garda vetting before taking up a role as an activities co- ordinator in a nursing home for elderly people.

‘I’m sympathetic,’ said Judge Coughlan who then received confirmation from the solicitor that if the accused has a conviction she has no job.

He struck out the two charges and ordered that €70 in court be paid over to the injured party.