‘No way’ Carnew woman could get to probation office

PROBLEMS involving co-operation between probation service offices in Wicklow and Wexford raised their head at Gorey District Court last Wednesday.

Audrey Behan (32) of 27 Coolattin Oaks, Carnew, appeared before the court charged with three counts of theft from Pettitt’s in Gorey on July 8 last, and Dunnes in Gorey on January 26 and 29 of last year. She was also charged with drink driving at McCurtain Street on June 14 of last year, providing a reading of 80mg of alcohol per 100ml of breath.

Solicitor David Tarrant said that a probation report had previously been sought in relation to his client. He said that Behan had been unable to get from Carnew to Bray to make appointments with the Probation Service. He said that the service used to have an office in Arklow that his client would have been able to attend, but there was no way she could make it to Bray as she doesn’t drive and is of modest income.

‘This is a common difficulty with the Probation Service,’ said Mr Tarrant. ‘They are all being pulled up to Bray.’ He then asked Judge Haughton if it would be possible for his client to attend the probation service in Wexford and he was advised to speak to Mr Seamus Halpenny, Probation Officer.

When the case was recalled, Mr Tarrant said that an effort would be made by the Probation Service in Wexford to work with their colleagues in Wicklow and the case was adjourned until March 14.