Pubdate: Wed, 27 Mar 2002
Source: Irish Times, The (Ireland)
Copyright: 2002 The Irish Times
Contact:  http://www.ireland.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/214

PILOT SCHEME FOR DRUGS OFFENDERS HAS FIRST GRADUATE

The first person to successfully complete the Drug Court scheme was 
yesterday presented with a certificate by Judge Gerard Haughton.

The 32-year-old man, who is not being named at the request of the judge and 
the Courts Service, is the first success in this pilot scheme aimed at 
giving drug-addicted offenders a chance to break the habit as an 
alternative to prison.

In return, they must adhere to a closely supervised treatment programme 
under a co-ordinated team of professionals in the probation, health, 
community, education and justice services.

For graduating from the scheme, theft charges against the man, which would 
almost certainly have earned him a jail sentence because of previous 
convictions, were struck out. Started in January last year, the scheme is 
presided over by District Judge Haughton, who has the ultimate sanction of 
ordering the arrest and imprisonment of those who fail to comply. About 30 
other people are taking part.

Yesterday Judge Haughton spoke with pride about the scheme's first graduate 
as he invited the man to sit beside him on the judge's bench. The man said 
he was "a bit speechless". "As the judge said, half my lfe was in jail and 
drugs. Today I have choices. I have that little peace of mind and I can 
sleep at night"
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MAP posted-by: Beth