Probation granted for troubled young woman by Kildare Judge

A Kildare Judge applied the Probation Act on a young woman with mental health difficulties.

Judge Desmond Zaidan made the decision at Naas District Court on Thursday, June 22, and also imposed reporting restrictions on her identity.

He had previously expressed concerns over the young woman's mental state: during a court session which took place back in January, the woman, who appeared via video-link, was acting erratically on camera.

She was laughing randomly, kept trying to interrupt the judge, and at one point, made ramblings about 'royal blood' and 'magic powers.'

On this date, it was alleged that the defendant was caught shoplifting in Kildare, and when she was brought to a garda station, it was further alleged that she became abusive to gardaí, and later ended up smearing blood and faeces on the walls of her cell.

Defending solicitor Tim Kennelly told the Judge that his client has since undergone treatment to address her mental state, and that her doctors are pleased with her progress thus far.

He added that she was previously placed into care, and was separated from her siblings.

Commenting on this, Judge Zaidan said: "Splitting up siblings... that's the legacy in Ireland, we really don't learn anything. I feel pain for you.

"You don't need to explain about all those years in care, I have an idea (of what you've experienced)," he added.

The judge also said that he recently read a news report describing alleged exploitation of youths and 'all types of badness happening' in State care.

"It's Ireland, 2023, and it's still going on; it's unbelievable," he said.

The woman also told the Judge that while she dropped out of school, she intends to go into third-level education.

"When I did attend school, I did very well," she added. 

Considering the evidence before him, the judge ultimately decided to apply the Probation Act.

He also told the woman: "You have had a tough life... Learn from it, and try to move on with your life."

If you have been affected by any of the issues raised in this article, you can contact Samaritans Ireland (116123 or jo@samaritans.org) or you can visit pieta.ie (24/7 Free Crisis Helpline: 1800 247 247 or Text HELP to 51444).