Judge praises recovering addict as 'role model'

A recovering heroin addict who went public with her addiction was described by a judge yesterday as a "role model".

Judge Cormac Dunne congratulated Rachael Keogh on her efforts to rehabilitate herself since she first appeared in front of him last July.

After reading what he called "excellent reports" about her recovery, Judge Dunne said Ms Keogh's was a "happy story. Hopefully it will have a happy ending".

Ms Keogh (27) from Mercer Street, Dublin, underwent a methadone programme and is currently in a residential centre for her drug addiction which she has had since she was 14.

She is now hoping to go to Trinity College Dublin later this year after she finishes her rehabilitation programme in Keltoi, a drug addiction clinic in the Phoenix Park, next month.

At an earlier hearing of Dublin District Court, Ms Keogh pleaded guilty to eight charges between November 2004 to July 2006. Two related to the theft of goods from shops on South William Street in Dublin, a further two to shoplifting from Louis Copeland on Capel Street and Dunnes Stores in the Stephen's Green Shopping Centre.

There were also charges relating to three outstanding bench warrants and her escape from Garda custody.

Solicitor Fiona Brennan said Ms Keogh was progressing "extremely well" since last July. She had changed "quite significantly" and now had a positive outlook on life with an ambition to study at Trinity College.

Judge Dunne said Ms Keogh had done extreme physical damage to her arms last year because of her drug addiction which had alerted the national media to her story. He said media interest in her recovery put an extra responsibility on her which she needed to bear in mind.

He said her case was proof that treatment did work. "If one compares her condition in July when she was before the court and her condition now with these excellent reports, she is certainly a role model for all acutely addicted persons," the judge added.

"The court is also conscious that maintaining her current status will be a heavy burden, but her determination, sheer grit and commitment since last July leaves this court confident she can do that".

Afterwards Ms Keogh said: "I'm really proud of myself. I feel that I have come a long way. I have abided by all the conditions put on me.

"People have come to me and said that I have given them hope that, if I can do it, they can do it, but I just try and focus on myself because, if I'm okay, it shows that it can be done".