A drug addict who was jailed for four years in 1997 told Dublin Circuit Criminal Court she wanted to remain in prison until her sentence was completed. Tara O'Callaghan (24), Fatima Mansions, Rialto, was jailed in October 1997 after she pleaded guilty to possession of a syringe in an attempt to steal chocolate from a Spar shop on Dame Street, Dublin, on November 17th, 1996.
Judge Kieran O'Connor said it was an unusual case.
Barrister Ms Isobel Kennedy said O'Callaghan wished to remain drug free in prison without a review until her sentence was completed because this was the only way she felt she could stay drug free as she had found it extremely difficult on release.
Judge O'Connor commended O'Callaghan on her drug-free status and confirmed that the order be made.
He also directed she be transferred from custody to a residential treatment programme or drug-rehabilitation unit if there was a position available. He added he admired her determination but it was unfortunate that she felt she could only deal with her drug addiction while in custody.