Troubled homeless woman told to stay off heroin
A homeless woman who had been living under a bridge has been shown mercy by a sheriff.
Leanne McDonald, 34, had begged to be jailed rather than be thrown back onto the streets after she had been evicted from her rented property in Paisley Queen Street.
McDonald appeared from custody at the town’s sheriff court for sentencing after admitting breaching court orders by missing a string of appointments with social workers.
The court heard she fled a violent relationship at the hands of a bullying partner and had taken to living rough, where her health was seriously affected.
Addict McDonald was ordered to attend counselling and placed under supervision for 12 months by the court.
The punishment was imposed after she was convicted of vandalising a car.
She tampered with the ignition and broke fittings and removed electrical parts from the Vauxhall Zafira in Linwood’s Muirhead Drive in June 2017.
McDonald has prior convictions for drugs and dishonesty.
Sheriff Lindsey Kooner had called for background reports — including an assessment for a Drugs Testing and Treatment Order (DTTO) — prior to deciding McDonald’s fate.
Defence agent Bob Mitchell said: “My client has had a fairly tragic life from a relatively young age.
“However, her health has improved drastically while she has been in custody.
“She was taken to hospital and given a blood transfusion — blood had to be removed from her stomach and she was given the transfusion.
“She also has been prescribed various tablets, which have improved her health dramatically.”
The solicitor urged the court to free her on bail to a new address and recommended she be given a chance at staying clean under the tough DTTO, which involves rigorous testing of patients.
Sheriff Kooner agreed with Mr Mitchell, but stressed to the former heroin addict that it is up to her to stay off the drugs.
She said: “You have a very difficult background. Having listened carefully to what has been said and having carefully read reports, I am prepared to admit you to bail.
“It is important that you keep all appointments if you wish to be considered in the DTTO programme.”
McDonald will learn of her fate on October 24. Enjoy the open air with Neilston Development Trust Walking Group.
It offers free guided walks around Neilston, beginning and ending at The Bank, in Main Street.
Good walking boots/ shoes and appropriate clothing are recommended.
Tea and biscuits are provided afterwards for donation of £1.
The group meets on Mondays at 10.30am for a 15 to 25-minute walk, Wednesdays at 10am for a 30 to 60-minute walk, and Wednesdays at 10.30am for a 15 to 25-minute walk.
All you have to do is turn up.
Call 0141 561 1201 for more.