Limerick homeless woman 'appears to view prison as a holiday home'

A HOMELESS woman who “enjoys prison” has been charged with breaching a barring order and criminal damage, Limerick District Court heard. 

The woman - who cannot be named to protect the identity of her family who took out a barring order against her - “appears to view prison as a holiday home”, according to Judge Patricia Harney. 

The woman’s probation report put forward that “she liked prison life and appears to enjoy mixing with her fellow inmates”.

The probation report also detailed that the woman said she wouldn’t be in a position to attend probation appointments.

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Judge Harney stated: “I’m not buying this business that she’s not attending probation and welfare services”. 

The judge added: “I need her to understand these are court orders. There are consequences.” 

Solicitor John Herbert, representing the woman, said that “homelessness is a huge part of this” and that the woman has been in touch with a homelessness service to secure permanent accommodation. 

Funded by the Courts Reporting Scheme.