Bail granted for Kildare woman despite objections from garda
IN-CAMERA
Bail was granted for a County Kildare woman by a Naas District Court judge on Thursday, June 6 last, despite objections from a garda.
The woman, who appeared during an in-camera (in private) court session, is the subject of a barring order, which was taken out against her by her mother.
She appeared before Judge Desmond Zaidan, and was accused of breaching the order.
The judge noted that the woman previously struggled with substance abuse issues.
He told her: "It's a miracle you're here with us, I mean that: you look so much healthier, keep it up."
A garda who was sworn in to the court told the court that they were objecting to bail being granted for the accused.
The woman's solicitor, Jackie McManus, told the court that her client had previously been sent to a psychiatric facility, but was discharged the following day.
Ms McManus added that a nurse who saw her client said that the woman did not have any psychiatric issues.
However, she also said that her client previously suffered 'a horrific trauma' in her past.
The woman interjected by saying that she is no longer takes drugs.
Commenting on the case, Judge Zaidan said that he remembered speaking to the woman's mother, whom he called 'a lovely person.'
He also said: "I don't want to remand her (the defendant) in custody, but if I put more trust in her..."
Ms McManus then interjected by informing the judge that a relative of the woman offered to take her client in to live with them, and that she would provide this address to gardaí.
When Judge Zaidan asked where this relative was, the woman replied that their relative is currently looking after children.
The garda objected to the relative's offer, and claimed that the accused had breached the order a number of times already this year.
"If I were to apply the law strictly, I would refuse to grant bail..." Judge Zaidan said.
"My client promises to reside there," Ms McManus replied.
"Do you have any idea how many times she has promised me (that)?" the judge responded.
The garda then said that the woman was allegedly in possession of a crack pipe the previous day.
"I wasn't aware of that, Judge," Ms McManus said.
The woman told Judge Zaidan that she had 'learned a big lesson.'
"I'm damned if I do, damned if I don't," the judge: "I do feel sorry for her."
He added: "I'll keep an open mind, but I want to see her relative in the afternoon."
Following a brief adjournment, the woman's relative appeared in court.
After speaking with the woman's relative, Judge Zaidan decided to grant bail for the woman, on a number of conditions: she must reside at the relative's address; she must comply with the barring order; she must keep all medical appointments; and she must stay out of the County Kildare town where her mother resides, except for instances where she has to collect social welfare.
The judge adjourned the case to a date in November, and gave gardaí liberty to re-enter the case against the woman at short notice.
If you have been affected by any of the issues raised in this article, you can contact Samaritans Ireland (116123 or [email protected]) or you can visit pieta.ie (24/7 Free Crisis Helpline: 1800 247 247 or Text HELP to 51444).
For further information related to seeking treatment for drug and alcohol abuse, please contact the HSE's confidential drugs and alcohol freephone helpline on 1800 459 459, from Monday to Friday between 9.30am and 5.30pm, or email [email protected].
You can also visit: https://www.hse.ie/eng/services/list/5/addiction/drugshivhelpline/.