A heroin-addicted mother was jailed for 22 months this week (November 18 ) after a doctor's letter she forged declaring herself to be drug-free, was contradicted by a probation report in which she admitted to still smoking heroin.
Louise McCarthy (26 ), of Grotto View, Battery Heights, Athlone was in court to hear a probation report ordered on July 8.
McCarthy had originally been sentenced on this date after pleading guilty to possession with intent to supply more than €3,000 worth of heroin, but had it adjourned to see what the Welfare and Probation Service (WPS ) might be able to do for her.
She had been arrested after a raid on her house on August 27, 2008 found her in possession of five street deals of heroin. She had also swallowed another 20, which necessitated her being brought to hospital.
However, gardai told Judge John Neilan that a doctor’s letter handed into court the day before (November 17 ) which declared all the defendant’s samples negative, was a forgery.
“It was an inept attempt to fool the court,’ said her solicitor, Mr Tony McLynn.
“Where did she get this forgery? Are they being sold around Athlone?” asked the judge.
“I’m instructed she made it herself,” said Mr McLynn.
McCarthy’s probation report informed the court that she was on methadone and was still smoking heroin.
“This was a lapse three weeks ago,” said Mr McLynn.
“This lady has a serious addiction going back a number of years,” said the judge.
“Ms McCarthy knows quite well where she can buy heroin.”
Mr McLynn sought a final chance for his client, pointing out how “she has opened up with the probation service. She has been very frank”.
Judge Neilan also noted in the probation report how McCarthy had been the victim of some harrassment on foot of her anti-social behaviour.
“Possibly it’s been people who have read about her in the papers and see her swanning around town like Lady Godiva.”
Mr McLynn suggested his client was being used by others and the judge accepted she was “a footsoldier”.
However, he pointed out McCarthy had first been referred to the WPS in 2005.
“I ask what progress has Ms McCarthy made and the answer is none,” said the judge.
He imposed the July sentences of 11 months in prison on the possession charge and a concurrent 11 months for the possession with intent to supply charge.
The judge ordered McCarthy be medically and psychiatrically assessed “and be treated for all her addictions”.
McCarthy was previously convicted in February 2006 for dealing ecstasy out of an apartment opposite Athlone Garda Station and lost her job as a soldier on account of this.
