A youth who broke his bail to get money for heroin has been ordered to spend two weeks in custody.
Judge Neilan refused to grant further bail to the boy whom he described as “an active heroin addict who should be stabilised more regarding his addictions”.
The boy, who cannot be named for legal reasons, is alleged to have committed a theft while on bail. It’s also alleged that the offence took place at 6pm when his curfew demands he be at home from 4pm.
“The reason I was out was I had no money and I needed heroin.” The boy said he had been off the drug for two or three days now and would be clean in two weeks if remanded.
The judge reminded the youth that it can take up to five years to be completely clear of a heroin addiction. “The idea that you’ll go in for a few days and be clear is a myth you’ll have to get out of your head.”
“But I’m not on it too long,” replied the boy.
“That’s not the issue. There will always be an attraction in your brain,” replied the judge who said he had only experienced one person who had managed to complete the five year programme and remain off heroin.
He gave the example of a defendant to whom he had handed down a two year sentence on condition that he sign up for the five year programme at Coolmine in Dublin. Six weeks later he was back before the courts.
“It’s a tough world out there and heroin is a tough addiction,” he told the juvenile. “The more you use, the more you’ll slip slowly into that addiction.”
The judge pointed out that he wished for the youth “everything you’d wish for yourself. The court is concerned about you as a person, that you don’t end up in the gutter”.
He directed that the boy be assessed and treated while in custody for whatever addictions he has.
He also directed that he undergo urinalysis at the request of the boy’s solicitor Patricia Cronin, who said her client was anxious to assure the courts he is making efforts.
